I have walked this path every day of my life. It is always the same, a dirt path winding its way through the tangled undergrowth of an ancient forest. Walking through this forest has always made me feel as though I were transported back in time. Many people find the forest oppressive and scary. I think it is a treasure beyond imagining.

I have walked this path every day of my life. I don’t know why I chose this particular path, or why I continue to follow it. There are thousands of pathways through the gnarled expanse of the forest. But, day after day I walk this path. I know where it leads, there is no mystery. Yet, still I go, still I follow, still I stay.

I have walked this path every day of my life. I do not exaggerate with this statement. As a newborn infant, not a day old, I walked this path in my mother’s arms. I have continued since that first day of my existence. Even now that my mother is dead and I walk alone, still I choose to walk the path.

I have walked this path every day of my life. It is a twisting path that meanders its way through the heart of the venerable old forest. I have always taken joy in this very scenic route to the exact center of the forest. I don’t know why I know it is the center, but it is a feeling I can’t be rid of. The path has always led there.

I have walked this path every day of my life. Now I walk this path for the last time. I have no one left to walk the path when I am gone and I fear the forest will die when I pass. It is a sad thing, but the forest is old. Old things get tired and I can feel its weariness, ever more present these last few days.

I have walked this path every day of my life. I now surrender my being to the forest floor. I lie down in the heart of the forest, at the end of the path. The forest will miss me when I am gone, but it is already dying. As I take my last breaths, I know the forest will not grieve long. Goodbye my ancient forest, goodbye my faithful path. I lay me down now among the bones of my ancestors, forever to remain in the heart of the old forest.

No one walks the path anymore and never shall again.