Here to Stay

The rain drips down

From leaf to leaf

Eventually landing on my face

I'm on an unbeaten path

I'm searching for shelter

Its wet and cold

I notice the layer of fog is thick as I hear the sound of small twigs being broken Under the weight of my foot

I feel the tickel of the ferns brushing my ankles

The sound of the rushing river to my right

I'm overwhelmed by that feeling you get when you're alone

Looking for

Something

Someone

Somewhere

To bring a sense of company

That's what walking in the woods feels like

It's not that you want the company

But a sense that you need it

Almost nervous with the need of companionship

The smell of crackling wood sneaks through the damp air

Touches the tip of my nose first

Then my lips

I know I'm close

I see the faint glow of a fire as I approach a clearing

My eyes

Captivated

Move from the licking flames to the material of the tent

I notice the intricate details of the leather patches sewn together

Hugging each other

As if to say

I'm here to keep you warm

I move closer to the entrance of the tent

Feeling the weight of the leather with my fingers for the first time

Slowly I move the opening to my right and step inside

The room smells of herbs and spices and has a glow of sunset orange

There is a single table in the center with a tea pot and two cups

The cups don't match

My bare feet feel the hand crafted rug beneath them

I start to feel a warmth travel to the tip of my fingers

There are lights strung inside

as if to say

You are home

I take a seat on one of the beautiful pillows set around the table

As my eyes drift from the carvings on the top of the table to the man sitting across from me

A smile sprouts along my face

But just enough where you can see

a sliver of my teeth

The man sits there and offers me a cup of tea

He is undeniably beautiful

My thoughts of wanting to be alone are being torn out of my heart

Being replaced by a love so strong

It seems that I could never love another person so much

He seeks into my soul with his knowing eyes

Telling me without a word falling off his tounge

That I am safe

I am wanted

I will never be alone again

When I remember the tingling cold that was on my hands and feet as I walked to find this place

When I remember the sleepless nights and days it took to get here

When I had gotten lost

I know that I am here to stay