Two Youths Astray

Far deep within the woods, there is a seldom-trodden trail Whose winding way is paved along by rustling, fallen leaves And flanked by ancient maple trees. This nest of branches weaves The woodland spirits’ canopy, in autumn hued and pale. To reach this path, explorers must traverse the hurdling crests Of stately mountains guarded keenly day and night, and yet The souls of some too often find themselves much lured and set On walking underneath this shielding roof where beauty rests. Where does this pathway lead? No sage would know, for not a soul Who made his way that far has yet returned to speak of it. Man’s told of this enchanted trail in deepest dreams divinely lit, When doubts are fooled and leery eyes, in passing, grasp its role. Though hidden and remote, this solitary road allures The restless fancy bound to earth by pale reality, And gives man’s aimless days their restful, fresh finality When blissful poesy the gloom of droning life obscures. I knew two youths who strayed from home and found this path one night. Bemused by its unearthly call, they veered and probed away; Alas, they reached the very end, and there they longed to stay. Among the stars, their love now dwells in bright, eternal light. Find my poems and published poetry volumes at www.eton-langford.com