For years I have stood at the edge of my woods, my head swaying along the endless horizon. I have watched the sun pass through every branch, I know the shadows by name. I have shared my breath with every tree, in return they have nurtured me. When I could not bear the silence they sang to me. When my hands trembled, they steadied me. It is here that I learned temperance. It is here that I became still. And now it is time to step forth. My purpose was never to remain. I have learned what I needed from solitude, and that peace I shall carry with me. But it is in the wild that I belong and into the wild I shall go. I am leaving; no, I am returning. This is a rebirth.