Trails

I am standing in a forest, lost.

I wandered in sure that I could trust my sense of direction, amazed by the trees with their tail, straight branchless trunks, mushrooming out to create a green canopy blocking out the blue sky and the sun.

Every direction looks the same, long straight trails leading to more trees via the odd small clearings.

The other thing was, apart from me and the trees there was no sign of any living thing, no birds, rabbits, squirrels, or anything, and apart from the scrunching of the dried leaves as I walked and the wind blowing through the trees and leaves way above there was no sound.

It was also odd that the canopy seemed to be evergreen but the ground was covered in golden brown shed leaves, but it was not clear where they had come from.

I know I vaguely recall entering this forest, I have now lost all track of time so I don't know how long I have been here, though I have not rested or slept, just kept going on until I reached this point and realized that I am totally lost.

I used to have a mobile phone but my pockets were empty, I had no way to contact anyone, and also my watch had disappeared.

I'm also not thirsty or hungry which I would expect to be, but I don't need anything, which is good because I have seen nothing that I could eat or nowhere that I could drink.

I have now tried to retrace my steps but I still seem to end up here, in the same place, or somewhere that looks like the same place, in a group of trees with trails leading out in every direction.

Although I do not feel I am losing my mind, or mad, I know this could drive many people over the edge.

Those tall tree trucks, the dry autumn leaves, and I are all that seem to be here. I really don't know where I am.

I keep walking, but nothing changes, and I am getting nowhere.

I want to be home, with my friends and family, but every step I take makes me feel I am just standing still.

While I can walk and walk, this forest seems endless and unchanging.

My only thoughts are that I am in some kind of purgatory, although it is turning into a living hell, with no respite.

I am not hurting or hungry, but my mind seems to be slowly unraveling.

Who knows, I may see visions, or hear voices, or find a way out, but there is no sign of that.

This is becoming a private hell, a place where nothing happens, absolutely nothing.

I am now praying, and I am not religious. Could it be this is God's punishment for me not believing in him?

I don't know.

I keep walking ........