The wildness in you
Calls
Deep and longing
In the darkness
Eyes ablaze
you come
upon my camp fire
Seeking
What?
Even you do not know
as you approach
Hesitant
I stand
No fear in me only longing
For something
Long denied
I remove my clothes
and stand as naked
as you
Reaching out
I grasp your hand
Misunderstanding
You snarl
But I hold tight
Leading us both
Back from which
You came.
To the woods…
To nature
To the wild
The real
I give you a
Smile
Letting go of your hand
and break into a run
Not looking back
For I know you are close
Behind.

by Philip Wardlow 2017