The Bridge

i stand here broken
my branches fallen at my feet
no more leaves for breathing
life swirls around me
wrapped in the dapple linen of the forest floor
my time is past
in the distance
a structure of connecting
the veins of man
stretching from unseen place
to distant shores
i am rooted
yearning
if only my roots would rip themselves
from their silt-lined graves
let me wander
free and listless
on the cobbled paths
that taunt me
but alas my fate
to stand in the deep
to echo, riddle, and snap
years of torment as i fade
forever wondering where it leads
my sylvan fingers once made such paths
across the sky reaching out to brothers
swaying in joy from new born to russet
i was once a part of the great mother's dance
the world has taken heartily its toll
i have paid the price of living
with my arms, my buds, my breathing
and there she stands
the mocking passage
from one fair space to another
tempting me
forever out of reach
reclaim me, o great Gaia!
end this bask in what can't be
and let me sleep unknowing
of the bridge not meant for me