There once was a little boy. Who grew up in a far land. Not anything like where he was today. Since he was a child he knew the outdoors. Grew accustomed to the wilderness. Surrounded by tall mountains - rounded with age. Raised on a valley floor, in between towering trees. Woken by calling birds, greeted by thick mist that rolled in from the forest. He loved nature. Spending hours in it everyday. Running through the woods, tracing the banks of rivers and streams, looking under rocks and stumps for creatures. But somewhere deep down, he knew it wouldn't last forever. He'd have to grow up. Abandon the wild. Mature. And hope that one day he would be able to return. Back to where he was raised.
As the years passed, he grew like the forests around him. He could feel himself growing taller and wider - shoulders becoming broader, chin more pronounced. Until he didn't fit at home anymore. So he ventured away, further than he ever had. For years. To study and evolve. Learn about the world in ways he didn't think he could or ever would. Pickup a new craft. To ultimately set forth down the path to determine what kind of man he would become. He met many new people. Crafted bonds with some that would last a lifetime, while also becoming aware of those he did not wish to associate with. For the first time he felt truly independent, like he had created his own life. But it all ended too abruptly. And those he had tucked away into his heart disbanded. Friends, loved ones - his family, all ventured forth in their own directions, to find their own lives and define who they would be.
And so did he.
After a long journey over mountains, through great plains, down winding, twisting roads, he finally reached his new home. For all he could have known, it was on the other side of the world. So far from where he associated home. And he was alone. Left to plant himself in the new environment. Hoping that it would not take long for his roots to take hold and he could begin to flourish. Luckily it didn't. There were a few moments of concern early, but they quickly faded and he became comforterable. Aiming, like everyone else he knew, for the American dream. It was exhilarating. Being in control. Living how he wanted. But he quickly learned how jaded it all was.
Success revolved around capitol. Wealth. Economic status. He was young. None of that mattered to him. He saw through the guises of those around him. Down to the dark, spoiled cores that were hidden beneath all the layers. The glint in everyone's eyes. Looking for the first opportunity to get ahead. Soon work became a chore. No longer was it fun. Didn't pull out his passion. Instead, it drained him. Sucked him dry. Leaving him wanting more. A shriveled husk. He had become so involved. Needed to take a step back. And he tried to.
It didn't take long to pack all of his things. He hadn't left home with much. Just the essentials and a few trinkets he had picked up along the way. There was no real plan. Just to escape. Get as far away as he could. So he headed north. To a magical city he had heard about, nestled along the coast, connected by great iron bridges. The closer he got, the thicker the air became. Choked with moisture. It didn't take him long until he finally reached his destination. A city on the bay. Bright and beautiful. Accepting of all types of people and culture. Teaming with life and vitality. As he sat there on the bluff, looking down at the city, it was the first time in years that he felt invigorated. His heart beat with excitement deep down in his chest. Off in the distance he could see the great forests that littered the hills on the other side of the bay - trees taller and thicker than he had ever seen before. The air smelled sweet and tasted clean - intoxicating to his lungs which hadn't felt something so pure in quite some time.
And for the first time in years, he felt young again. Like a little boy. Excited to take his first steps into the world by himself. Precautionary and safe - unsure of what was out there. Butterflies were welling up in his stomach, begging for release. It was something he hadn't felt in a long time. It felt good.
It felt like he was home.
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