There is a forest that many wander in. It is thick and dense; being hard to navigate. Hidden deep within lies a meadow, an open shelter in this congested landscape, with a spectacular view. A place of rest. I stopped in this beautiful expanse to take in the stars which were blocked before by the thick foliage of the canopy. The crisp and cool air could make its way down sweetly here without being smothered and redirected by the mighty boughs of the forest. I could breathe deeply.
I spent the night watching the moon illuminate the shifting grass; beholden to an elegant dance of shadows. As my eyes wandered from blade to blade they became fixated on something different growing in the center of this breathing meadow. Enchanted by this unique sight I went to investigate. As I grew closer the wind changed and the grass that danced so lightly before pushed hard against me—becoming thick like the forest I had emerged from. I struggled onward, slowly losing strength as the wind coursed harder and more deliberate with each step I took.
Eventually I could go no further. Yet, my eyes could clearly see what I had set out to adore; a lone stachys byzantina standing unaffected by the swirling wind. A clear cut radius of earth surrounded her, being a formidable circular guard to a precious flower. My nose caught whiffs of heavenly scents—a sweetness I had never smelled before. I tried to move forward again but failed. The wind picked up and I was forced back to the outskirts of the meadow.
Still, even there I could see her. The lone beauty in this meadow standing straight and tall…waiting. I understood. This flower wasn’t for me…her sweetness was not mine to inhale or behold. Another would fight through the hardened wind and conquer it. Or maybe the meadow just knew, and the right person wouldn’t have to fight to get to the center to be with such a flower. This meadow was not meant for me.
Still I could not look away and stayed the rest of the night watching the moon illuminate a spotlight on her. As dawn crept up I stretched, it was time to continue the journey…my own journey. Taking one last look I turned my eyes back towards the lonely guarded flower. The morning dew sat and glistened on her leaves like the tears on my cheek. Tearing my eyes away I once again faced the dark and crowded forest. Keeping eyes focused straight ahead I stumbled forth until the familiar smother of the forest enshrouded me and the dark stale air coursed through my nose. Only then did I look back, and all I saw was the same forest as was completely surrounding me.