down the winding road, part 1

By midnight

It gets old sometimes, waiting for things to happen. The skies break and mend themselves again, and things stay the same.

A pond ripples in the forest, ever-clear and shimmering. Its waters reflect my face - or perhaps it belongs to someone else now.

A rock breaks the surface, thrown by my own hand. I cannot bear its image.

Sunlight filters through the trees, beaming from the setting sun. It shines on my face, though there is nobody here to see it.

I rise from my place at the water's edge, and slowly begin down the road.

---

The road winds, as all roads do. Stars shine on open fields and vast plains all the same, and my journey stretches ever onwards.

I continue moving, all the same. My lantern battles against ever-encroaching darkness, shining its light upon the path in front of me. I must keep moving.

The sun rises again. Its light eclipses that of my lantern, and I stop under the light of the dawn.

Tides ebb and flow under purview of the pale moonlight. I smile, and I do not think I would mind if there was anyone here to see it.

I rest at the edge of a tall peak, and view the road stretching out far below. I cannot see where I came from, nor can I see where I journey to. I rest at the edge of the tall peak.

---

The skies mend themselves again. It's almost a miracle, watching the world walk the same journey I do.

I can see where I journey to - or at least I believe I can. I have a long ways yet to walk, but I know where I will be when I am there.

A small creature crosses my path. It is the first soul I have seen since starting my journey.

Starlight pours into the valley in front of me as I rest again. I laugh, and I miss those that would enjoy my company on this journey.

I take my final step on this journey of mine. I am almost a child again - one of the sun, and the moon, and the stars. I sit, and the horizon stretches infinitely in front of me.