She holds the ribbon as if it was
a delicate feather.
The ribbon sways
to and fro
as she releases each length of it quickly
gently pushing her fingers back together
before it all flies away.
Steadily the ribbon’s path grows
longer and longer
held in place
by the prickly branches.
She walks silently through the Forest
a thin red line
the only evidence of her passing.
She entered the thick Forest
with little hope, and all that remains
is the hope that there is enough ribbon
to reach her final
peaceful destination.
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Copyright 2025 Russell Dickerson. All rights reserved.