oom: Jack comes home

[jack_inthegreen]

The forests of Britain are not what they once were. It was said a squirrel could cross from Newcastle to Dover and never touch the ground--but those days are long gone.

Still, what remains of the forests feels much the same to the one who knows them. Their voices are familiar, comforting--many are old friends who remember him from seed and acorn.

Comments

[lvpd_sidle]

It probably is no surprise that Sara would choose to sit on the ground beneath his branches, her back resting against his trunk. Then again, if Jack knew Sara was currently on an alien world in a different dimension, her visit would be surprising.

But that does not matter. The woods are cool and welcoming, and his presence as soothing as it has always been.

"I never knew this place was so lovely."

[jack_inthegreen]

His branches sway and creak.

This is my favorite place.

[lvpd_sidle]

"You have excellent taste."

There are a few leaves on the ground before her. She picks one up, twirling it in her fingertips.

"You haven't been well for a while."

[jack_inthegreen]

I know.

Creak and sway, creak and sway.

That's why I'm here. This is where I belong.

[dnaromantic]

"Nice outfit," says Greg, riding by on his bike.

Or maybe he's driving a T-bird.

Yeah, he likes that better.

It's a T-bird.

[jack_inthegreen]

For once I'm not wearing an outfit.

[dnaromantic]

"Maybe that's the nice part."

Now he's sitting on the front of his car. Because in dreams, Greg can always do whatever Greg wants.

"Trees don't really need them, do you."

[jack_inthegreen]

Trees don't lie. Don't disguise. Don't pretend.

Clothes are just another way of pretending.

[leftthecradle]

Who are you?

A simple question...but the being that asks it is anything but simple. Is it a man, an angel or a sphere of white light shot through with rainbows? It seems to be all of these and none of them at once.

Who are you?

[jack_inthegreen]

Creak and sway from the giant oak.

I have many names, and none.

[leftthecradle]

A ripple in the light/an amused snort/a flutter of wings.

I didn't ask what you were called. Tell me who you are

The voice is gentle, but there are echos behind it. Echos of an ancient time when this question was not asked gently. No...not gently at all.

[jack_inthegreen]

I am
paved over farmlands

choked and dirty rivers

children abused neglected forgotten unwanted

rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain
nothing that is valued anymore.

[inquisitivehero]

Hank sits in an evening chair, feet up on a footstool, reading. He is there, as he has been, or is just now, or isnt yet.

He watches Jack for a long moment, then nods.

"You seem to be enjoying this a bit."

[jack_inthegreen]

The truth shall set you free, my friend.

This is my truth.

[inquisitivehero]

"But what is truth to a soul, to a being, but all that he is?"

Hank watches Jack for a long moment again, then nods.

"This is not all that you are, Jack."

[jack_inthegreen]

This is how I began. This is how I will end.

[blueskinnedboy]

"This is terribly self-indulgent, you know," Chris remarks.

He is beautiful, elegant, and practical.

As ever.

[jack_inthegreen]

I don't need you lecturing me too, youngling.

[blueskinnedboy]

"I'm not here to lecture. Merely to point out that this is terribly self-indulgent. You're too ineffable to be such a drama queen, Jack."

[jack_inthegreen]

His branches shake.

I don't wish to use that name anymore!