In the forest, my eyes are wide.

In the rain, my eyes have lied.

Hair is split and arms stretched back,

Bless all scenes with that I have.

Crown like sun and moon, I dance below the rain.

Leaping from branch to branch; head over heels--I am flexible and free.

A hunter in the glen, standing tall. No fear. No worries.

A bow in my hand, muscles rippling as a string pulls tight--no one can stop me…

Where am I?

A trickle of light comes from a window--a small little circle embedded in wood.

How did I get here?

Looking around, I can’t see anything but the grains in the wood, illuminated by the glow from the window. Is it oak? Is it dark? Is it red? What is it?

How do I get out?

Wind and rain-

And white-

And pain-

Static is blown--

--I’m on my throne.

The people bow before me as the priestess bestows the crown. Above, my crest grins down at me, approving their new royalty.

Blessed, am I, to have people who trust me so: trust me with their lives.

“I vow to protect and care for my people... above all else.”

There’s fire

And blood

And screams--

I can’t grasp how this--

Gasp. I wake as if my heart was jump-started; as if my lungs were forced to expand.

My mother weeps tears of joy as she cradles my face, muttering about time and years... how it’s been five since she last saw my eyes open.

So much love and joy and tears, a moment that could never e--

Legs crossed, hands tucked.

Eyes close, but my soul not.

The bell has rung, now footsteps fall.

“Oh, was that all?”