The Tree Fort

When I was six,
In the infinite woods
That lay behind my house
Stood a tree fort
My uncle built just for me.

I would set out
For the long journey,
An adventurer searching
For ancient ruins,
My dog close by
To protect me.

I crossed the raging river,
Carefully balancing on a fallen log,
And hike a treacherous trail
Through the overgrown jungle.

I often traveled miles
Before chancing upon
My tree fort ruins,
Where I could spend hours
Hidden deep in the jungle,
Alone as only a child can be
With their imagination.


It has been fifteen years since I have explored those woods,
But it was only this year my mother told me that
She could see my tree fort from the kitchen window.