NEVER ALONE

Traveler has been traveling alone

for most of the journey.

Times, she sought a companion 

to help ease the passage

through difficult terrain.

But none could stay the course.

Each turned off at the nearest byway.

Traveler grew accustomed

to making her way alone.

A wolf companion stayed  by her side

for fourteen years,

the truest companionship

she had ever known.

His turning was involuntary;

they both mourned greatly.

Solitude was emptier once he had gone.

But in time, Traveler began to realize

she was never truly alone.

All around her was the ghost

of a big black wolf; he walked invisibly

by her side.

There were trees breathing peace to her,

birds on the wing

who companioned her eyes through the heavens,

reminding her to Keep Looking Up;

the moon bathed her in silver

and spread its canopy of stars

for her alone;

there were wind voices singing secret love-songs

just for her, and wave-tops lapping shores 

of forever beaches, where each one knew her name.

Alone is never lonely

as long as you love the wind,

Traveler says now, reflecting.

When you stand in an old growth forest,

when you watch the butterflies flutter by,

when you look into the knowing eye of a small red filly,

you are surrounded

by loving friends.

for Mary's prompt at Poetry Jam: Alone, a topic I must have my Masters in, by now :)