The Man Behind the Tree

Whispering behind a tree in the forest is a man
Constantly preoccupied with the outside world
But refusing to walk out and search for himself

He hears your talk of wonderful things
Concerning love and life and joy and contentment
But all he's known of it is pain

So, day by day, he hides
Afraid of encounters of any kind
Shutting himself out to avoid the old feelings

He's seen the world and all it's glory
He's tasted the sweetness of life
But all of those things were lies

From the place where he once resided, he's learned:
All flowers blossom, but all flowers wilt
The epiphany causes him to stay

Beneath the leaves, turned away, he sits
Filled with resentment and regret
Not wishing to be part of this world that was so cruel

Everyday, you walk towards the forest
And speak of all that he's been missing
And attempt to convince him to reconcile with the world

But, alas, stubborn fool he is
He remains seated, night and day
Longing for happiness to waltz right in front of him

You decide that it's time
To let him sulk in silence
And allow him to make his own decisions