beyond my recollection

Sundown came
as shadows spread
to moss between the cedars.
I raised my hem
above their greedy heads.
Searched the sky
familiar flame -
a lantern flickered barely -
with minutes left
before the dark was down.

I ran so fast
my breath was caught
(something there behind me).
Was almost lost
before I heard my name.
Slower then
my boots were turned
to face uncertain peril -
for who was there to know
I'd come this way.

The winds were soft
as daylight faded -
splinters into pine.
I caught a whiff of burning leaves
(too late to turn around).
Ashes fell
from somewhere else -
swirling white around me.
Filled my thoughts with longing -
breath - the taste of snow.

Who was there?
I must have feared -
why else would I have hurried -
returning to a sadness
(a sorrow I have known).
Which was right
and which was home -
the sun no longer saved me.
East was west
and west was almost gone.

I searched again -
the edge of darkness.
The lantern was no longer -
what oil I had garnered
was surely burned away.
(They'd find me here -
frozen - as a rabbit on the morning -
staring at a blade of grass -
forgotten by the dawn.)

Silence then
a moment of surrender -
at last my heartbeat stilling -
I knew this way (somehow).
I'd come to this
another day -
beyond my recollection.

Would only need to close my eyes
and trust the night again.

Wings above the timbers -
eyes beneath the branches -
fiddlers returning
a song that I could sing.
At once I knew
(the same as then)
there was no need for lanterns.
Was this that drew me closer -
this that knew my name.
Tho somewhere else
they're searching for the pieces -
would bring me here -

the long way back
to home.