She

While strolling in the woods one hot day, she felt tired, but then she saw a willow tree. She lay down underneath it in its shade while listening to whispers its leaves made. She dozed off dreaming that the tree caressed her body with its limbs, and she felt blessed. Was it a dream? She knew the willow’s soul, and being one with it became her goal. She woke to find her arms were branches, and her legs were dark like bark. Ah, she felt grand! She’d melded with the tree, and yet she still could move about. She had not lost her will. As if by instinct, she could comprehend that she was linked now to her newfound friend. Though joined to the tree, still she had control to leave her friend. She had a brand new role. She was the wood’s protector, yet she could roam a beautiful, free nymph in her woodland home. But in the night, she’d cling to her tree’s bark, dissolving into willow in the dark.