Exposed

You peeked through the dark woods with wonder
as I started to walk by,
unaccustomed to your presence
in the middle of a dark wood.

you beckoned me with your brilliance
urging me to give you a second glance
to look your way,
to see what you wanted me to know

you showed me your splendor
even though you had lost your protection,
your covering, your mask;
no more hiding underneath your skin

you told me your tale
how you lost your pride,
how all that was left of you was this smooth trunk,
this pale beacon, so unlike the others

you remained in my reminiscence
until the message was clear
you were vulnerable, yet strong
exposed, yet now understood.