My forest awakens the soul in slumber
Drifting a foreign balance under the skin
Settling on night’s need in dream

Clicking, clacking, purring en route
Through a journey of their own
An object of disapproval

Unwanted eyes on a vulnerable sleep
Circling pungent skin, leaving marks unnoticed
Awaiting something bigger to mind

As dawn approaches, the foreigner awakes
Looking in the eyes of judgment
Bewildered, hopeless surrender to the way

Her skin melts into the forest growth
Fingers into branches, limbs into trees
Singing a love song so sweet and true

Forest fright no longer holds dear
Yet embraces each night
Awakening the native within

She belongs.