I Never Knew

by Johnny Packer

Chapter 1

A trail came to me in my dreams last night.
I’ve never seen it in my life, but it felt familiar.
Even blind, following the trail feels right.
But trusting the unknown would make me wilier.

A dream so real could only mean it was real.
I grabbed a map, and followed the path.
Right where the trees begin to conceal.
Thus began my story. Or maybe my epitaph.
The map didn’t warn me of the pines.

I walked for hours, but time didn’t pass.
Instead it was pinned to the vast pale sky.
The pines swayed inwards, colored like a dead channel.
Beyond the trees, I could see what looked like figures moving.
Instead, they were just still branches in my periphery.
When I tried to turn back, the trail looked unfamiliar.

All I heard was a voice, or maybe a name.
I called out for it, and the answer I received was strange.
From neither the pines nor wind, I heard a reply.

When I woke, the scent of the forest clung to my skin
All I know is that I remember that path now, dream or not.
I looked and searched for an answer within.
I should go back, and return to the same spot.
And let the pines take me in.