To Meet A Forest Man

 

            “They say, the tongues that wag, for good or ill… that to meet a forest man is never fortunate, never!”
            “Well, I take exception to that. I think the major pivot point of this whole question is simply courage. Let me explain,” he said.
            “I wish you would explain,” said the lady. “Have I not demonstrated courage, from my childhood, even unto this day? At first I was ignorant, but I was sure out in the woods. Next I was unbelieving and unheeding, but I was sure out there, wasn’t I?”
            She may have been dreaming, but nevertheless the conversation went on.
            “Oh yes, we saw you. In fact, I saw you. But you went straight from no knowledge, to denial. You hedged your bets, dear Lady.”
            “How?” she said.
            “You always left yourself an escape route. Plausible deniability? Maybe it’s that,” said Ralph, roguishly.
            “I’m a rational being,” said she. “I have to make my thinking make sense!”
            “Ah!” said Ralph. “You had no room for me?”
            “Help me,” she said.
            “I’m trying to, but dream work is a chancy business, Lady. Try a bit harder,” he said a little remotely.
            “Let’s go back to the question of whether it's fortunate to meet a forest man,” said Ralph. “You know, it all depends, more or less, on you!”
            “Me?” she said. “I’m the patient here, not the actor. You’re the actor, with all the choices in the matter!”
            “Deep calls to deep, Lady. Whatcha see is whatcha get,” said Ralph. “Life is like a mirror, Baby!”
            “But, that’s not fair! I object! Things should be what they are regardless,” sobbed the woman.
            “But, who’s to decide then,” said Ralph. “Objective reality may very well be a myth told to frighten the children!”
            “Look, Forest Man, don’t dance with me. All I want is a nice class A sighting of you or Uncle Bob even, or someone, how about York!” she giggled.
            “OK, this is the deal. You stop bringing someone with you. You come out to the woods. You get out of the car. I don’t appear to cars! Good grief!
            "You trot your self out into the trees, and you find something to sit on, and you sit on it. And I’ll be with you shortly,” said Ralph. “Stop hedging. Go all in or go home!”
            “What is this? Tough love?” she said.
            “You know it is, doncha, Baby?” he said, fading by degrees.
            She opened her eyes then, trying to make sense of the conversation. It was still light outside, and she realized that she must have fallen asleep.
            She rose and looked out of her bedroom window which faced the deep forest. A gentle rain was falling.

🌲🤎🌲