Before Fog
for Boon, who is sometimes lost.

Out here in the wilderness
A thousand paths
Dirt
Brick
Stone
That disappear where the Sun sets.

There is no one
Behind.
or
Before.
or
Beside.

You were never taught,
Never told
That it would be so
Frightening.

It is not right
That you feel so alone
When you are surrounded by
So many.

Where will you find your
Conviction?
Who will be your
Rock?
When every stone you find
Crumbles to dust in your hands.

When the fog descends
You will be utterly lost.

Quick! Now!
Before dampness touches your cheek
Light your flickering torch

Let every step be forward
And never look back.

(Boon requested this poem. The inspiration for the setting is from the thick fog in York. Going out alone at night really gives you a sense of alone-ness cos not only is vision blurred but sound too is muffled. And of course, since she requested it, a large part of the inspiration comes from Boon.)