Lullaby

Lost in the Meadows I knew as a child,
dirt roads tan my skin.
Breathing tastes like flowers, dirt, sun,
like home.
The trees are singing to me.

The cold river curves behind the forest
I have been away from rushing water for
too long.
Bathing my feet in mud will cleanse me
from city scrum.
The trees are dancing above me.

Townies all know my name,
but not my face.
City streets creased my eyes,
Taxi drivers chopped my signature long hair.
And I had no trees to sing me the lullaby of youth.

Scattering birds call to their young.
They too, flew south when the city lights turned blue.
They nest in the trees, a home for the restless bones.
And I rise from the tall grasses to follow my lullaby home.