Off Path

by Jessica Wheeler

Today, I wear my solitude
like a favorite sweater
to soften the blow
of January wind.

I desire only the sound
of snapping sticks
breaking beneath my feet
and the distant rustling
of scurrying critters
startled by my intrusion.

Today, I will watch
as the wind directs the sway
of trees, waving and weaving
through shadows of shade
and speckled sunlight.

In a game of hide and seek
with the sun,
my coy companion
painting a golden path
through a labyrinth
of naked branches.

Today, I shall listen
to whispers
not meant to be deciphered
and shoulder my solitude
one final time

walking off

this unwanted woe.

On an unmarked trail,
I will breathe the icy air,
a breath to soothe
my every cell,
a breath I've too long
been deprived.

Today,
the pulse of the wind
will tempo my steps
as I follow the path
off-path
to the heart
of the wintry woods.

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Solitude contest entry

Recognized

#37
January
2024

An expression of solitude.

Pays one point and 2 member cents.

Artwork by seshadri_sreenivasan at FanArtReview.com

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Solitude in free verse

Off Path

by Jessica Wheeler

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