At first, the forest calls me in,

With paths so fresh, where dreams begin.

The scent of something bright, brand new,

Each step alive with promise, too.

Excitement drives me, fast I go,

Through trees that spark with endless glow.

Ideas bloom, the heart feels light,

Like soaring birds that take to flight.

But soon, the forest shifts its face,

Vines of doubt begin to trace.

The path once wide now starts to close,

As tangled thoughts begin to grow.

Branches block the sky’s clear view,

And something pulls me somewhere new.

A different trail, a fleeting gleam,

Distracts me from this half-built dream.

I jump ahead, I chase, I dart,

Before I’ve finished what I start.

The thrill of starting feels so sweet,

But progress slows with dragging feet.

Now lost within the twisting wood,

Where focus falters, as it would.

I fight to keep my steps aligned,

Yet mourn the slipping of my mind.

Each turn I take leads back again,

And shadows stretch, my old-time friend.

To push ahead, to finish strong—

Feels like I’ve wandered far too long.

But still, I see that distant light,

A chance to make it through the night.

If I can carve this path with care,

Perhaps I’ll find accomplishment there.