Can the Sun Come Out and Warm My Soul?

In my dark and lonely world I have begun to try and find my way.  I have stood up on shaky legs, swayed from the effects of the blows I've taken and tried to walk forward.  As I stagger through this world of loneliness, pain, anger and grief  I see others out of the corner of my eye.  Furtive figures moving far back in the shadows and I stop, calling to them.  "Please.  Who are you?  Can you help me?  I'm lost.  I want to go home."

Most dart away, leaving just swirling mist to mark their departure.  Some will step timidly out into the pale gray light and approach.  I reach out to them and often find that they are an illusion of smoke and light, insubstantial.  Others are not what they seem.  They drop their hoods and raise their faces to expose gaping jaws and sharp teeth.  I back away, turning to flee farther down the broken, rocky trail... staggering and stumbling

I reach and fail to connect.  I reach and then recoil.  I reach and grasp only empty air.  It seems so hopeless.  It seems so sad, that I am doomed to wander this place alone.  And just as all hope seems lost, I hear a voice.

It's small but strong.  Clear and distinct but just on the edge of my hearing.  I turn my head and scan the shadows, straining to see back into the dimness amongst the trees.  Is that a faint glow I see?  I edge into the woods, head down passing beneath and around the grasping branches.  Yes.  Their IS a light ahead.  The voice is coming from there.  Its clearer now... louder.  As I approach, a clearing opens before me and in the center sits a woman, her legs tucked beneath her, dressed in a simple peasant skirt and a plain white blouse open at the throat.  She sits facing away from me, staring into a small pool, watching her reflection and singing softly to herself in an angelic lilting voice.  I approach and murmur a timid "Hello?"  She turns and her radiant beauty strikes me like a soft velvet blow.  I take an involuntary step backward.  She is stunning, striking... I am rendered mute... literally dumbstruck.  I stare, in awe of her.  She smiles and my heart trip-hammers in my chest.  She speaks, her voice soft yet strong like a whisper that seems loud because it's close to your ear. "Hello.  Are you lost?"

"Y-yes."  I stammer.  "I am."  my voice quivers on the edge of breaking.

"Come sit with me." she beckons, raising a hand, palm up, inviting me to take it.

I hesitate.  "I can't."  I mumble.  "My hands are dirty.  I'm wet and cold and I don't want to get you muddy."

Her smile widens.  "Don't be silly.  Come."

I shuffle forward, suddenly feeling very large and clumsy and oafish.  Very aware of my grimy face and my stubbly beard... my muddy wet clothes.  With a trembling hand I reach out and put mine in hers.  Her warm soft hand closes around mine and she gently pulls me down beside to her.  I slump, thumping down next to her and she puts her other hand to my cheek.  "You're okay now.  I've found you."  Her smiling face and radiant beauty threatens to overwhelm me.. I feel as though I might pass out.  I can feel my heart pounding in my ears.  I begin to tremble all over. 

"Shhhh.  Rest now. I've got you."  I lower my head to her shoulder and the tears come, unbidden and burning in my eyes.  She folds her arms around me and rocks me gently speaking calmly, soothingly in my ear.  I feel the grief and loss and sorrow wash out of me, through her and up into the sky.

A small patch of cloud clears away in the cold wind and a shaft of warm, bright sunlight falls upon us.  I have found her.  I have found the way home.  My soul can rest here until I am strong enough to rise and join her.  She will lead me home.  I will follow.  Wherever she goes, wherever she is, that shall be my home.  She shall be my home.