The Forest Always Changes
By Bethany Ryan
I walked into a forest
On the 20th of May.
I followed a path into the woods,
And planned to die that day.
I took the path to the left
And followed to a downed tree.
Then off the traveled path I went
To set my spirit free.
But my spirit didn’t die that day
My heart fought to stay alive.
So here I am on this path again
Five years after I survived.
While on the path I realize
That the forest here has changed.
Erosion, storms, rain, and growth
Have made this place feel strange.
I smile as I realize
That I’ve changed so much as well
My heart is full of gratitude
For the story-of hope I have to tell.
“Stronger than yesterday”
Is the stone I choose to place.
Reminding me of all the things
That I’ve been strong enough to face.
And just as the forest changes
Life doesn’t stay the same.
Five years ago I was a broken soul.
But now look who I became.
About the Author:
My name is Bethany Ryan. I am an Army veteran living in Leesburg, VA. One of my main goals in life is to be open about my struggles so that those who struggle in silence know they are not alone. I firmly believe that silence is deadly. People need to know that they aren’t alone in their struggles, that everyone else doesn’t have it all put together, and that there isn’t shame in needing help.
