The Path

A canopy of trees
bowing, bending towards each other
their upper branches tangling together
becoming one

Their boughs create an arched tunnel
Under which a path is protected
The path, though overgrown, is sometimes traveled
but only by those passing through

Lonely wanderers
traversing the path, only momentarily
they travel its length, dedicated, yet visionary
the path is only a gateway, not a home

The path grows weary of being stepped on
though the purpose may seem to be this
much pounding breaks down the earth
it is no longer steady and sure

Steadfast dwellers
they live to the side of this path
they are the most frequent of travelers
their footsteps are light and made with care

The path longs for more dwellers
or maybe one single dweller
who will stay forever to help keep the ground firm
and the overgrowth tended so it is not to become gnarled

The path grows tired of passerbys
when will there be an adjoining path
to share the wanderers
to know the pain, borne easier if shared