It was dark, and I was alone in the forest as the morning light shyly lifted my spirit.

Love sat upon the highest mountain, waiting for me to begin my journey, to climb and embrace its beauty.

Would it be real?

Could I reach this love?

I was just a boy, untested, with no strength to muster. All I had was my book of poetry, where dreams and fears together defined my footsteps.

Mother Nature is wise, I realized, as I traveled to the mountain. She nourished me with wine, bread, and beasts. I must guard my heart, keep it strong for the moment of truth, when I finally meet my love. 

Is it you, my true love? 

My only hope is that you’ll be honest, to tell me if I deserve your presence.

Have you thought much of me?

Have you suffered much, as I have, to reach my eternity?

I’m just a child, learning of this world, and I can offer you only my verse — though I lost my words in the river. Can you forgive me?

“I am your love. I am true and exist within you,” I was told. 

I wake up. It is still dark outside my window, yet the morning light rises behind the mountains. Now, I am a man.

The image of you in my mind is real; my love was found the day I crossed the river and forged my words.