I would like to thank my lovely friend MysteriousDryad for this collaboration. Although I know it took too long and I gave you a hard time with my 'delayedness' if this is even a word. It's been wonderful working with you MD 😊🌷🌷

*****

The wind is whipping through my hair

No care in the world

The ground is coated in pink dogwood

Free from all troubles

Butterflies coming out, flying around freely

A sense of nostalgia

Flowers sprouting beautifully

A smile present on my face

*

I saw your smile lighting your face

Among the flowers you were more

… beautiful

In the garden you walked with grace

Barefoot on the lush grass

… wonderful

My heart wanted to run to you

Follow your footprints but I was

… bashful

*

Walking through the garden

Admiring the flowers and animals

A shadow materialized

One that's not mine

Somebody or something is nearby

Curiosity is at its peak

*

She looked at me!

My heart skip-ped a beat

I tried to hide between the tree-

branches, her eyes followed

My royal coat, a crown neat

On top - my unique Marquee

*

As I watched you move so elegantly,

I wondered, could it be?

You chirped so quietly

that I almost missed it.

That single chirp,

brought me to my knees.

My eyes brimmed with tears.

Are my eyes playing tricks on me?

Am I seeing what I think I am seeing?

Is it really you standing before me?

*

"Finally!" She cried "I found you!"

I stopped moving, staring

At her regretful eyes

Tearful and caring

She wanted me to come home

But how could she not know?

Wild birds can't live in cages

We need the sun, air, and light

The freedom to fly and grow

*

I noticed your hesitation

And I started smiling ear to ear

I walked back to my home

Barefoot on the soft grass

Hoping you will follow

And see this surprise I have for you

A surprise I know you'll enjoy

*

She smiled at me and left!

What did she mean?

Should I follow her home?

Or should I remain unseen?

I loved her, I admit, but I don't

Want to be stuck in a life

Where I see nothing green

Yet I followed her

I followed my queen.

*

You followed me

much to my relief

We neared my house

with each passing

second

and I was welcomed

with the scent of

the forest

“The forest is

your home not

my house so

go do what

you do best

and explore

but remember

to come back

often though.”

I smiled as

I watched you

take in the forest

before your eyes

With one last

look at me

and a nod

you flew off

coming back

every couple

of days just

To see me again...