My Forest

My Forest 
Some call it scary, some call it strange.
Some see its beauty, 
but most are scattered away.

Many know it's time,
time to walk at night.
Into the place of ever-lasting light
Where we have no boundaries,
to keep us from wandering astray.
Where imagination has no limits,
that make us sit and stay.
When wind howls and thunder roars,
roars through the night.

I will always be here, walking through the night.
Where animals have no cages, 
to condemn them to steel.
Where birds can fly freely, chirping like seals.
Mother nature's signs repel many away.
But I will always be there, imagining one day.

One day where the gifts of mother nature
wandered astray.
Wandering with no worries
and in peaceful harmony. 
Wandering this place,
free of captivity and welcomed with her sympathy.

I will always be here,
from a thousand miles away.
My heart will know its place,
thirsting for this day.
I will always be here,
from in the forest, my love.

I will defend the forest, 
when push comes to shove.
The forest is my happiness,
don't take it away.

And I know I am not the only one
who calls it my home, my way.
And I know I will always be here,
no matter how far away.

And I know that I will be here again,
on some miraculous day.

The forest is my home and my happiness,
so please don't take it away.
You will always find me here,
wandering astray.

-Jack Manning (age 12)