Shadows of clutching branches,
woods filled with hidden menace,
heart pounding in fear
with each crackle of leaves.
Fear on the way, but joy
at the end of the path.
A little white steepled chapel,
a gnarled, white haired man,
loving and kind - a friend.
A day spent making pudding,
feeding the rabbits.
The old man listening
to five year old chatter.
A bike with cheater wheels
given in love out of meagre funds.
Love, given freely
without thought of return.
The trip home through the woods:
branches kinder, leaves muted.