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hiking partners for many years,
they walk along hand in hand
when they reach an unexpected fork
she squeezes his hand one last time
and says, Go, find what you seek
and watches as he fades from sight
she walks alone for the first time,
discovering her own pace
no longer a follower
as the space widens between their paths
she finds herself looking forward to
what lies around that next bend
she is drawn to the peace of the trail
the forest envelops her, the cool breeze
is her companion now
will their paths ever cross again
or were they just two people
who shared a trail for a while
~ photo Smoky Mountain hiking trail
