Unbroken

Do not seek to conquer me, 
or you will lose yourself in here.

My soils won’t beg for empathy, no. 
They radiate consequences
for the careless wanderer
who does not pay attention.

One slip,
and you’ll find yourself
soaked in trouble,
drowning in these waters,
like so many others.

But those who listen to my silence
as if it were a symphony,
those who mind their steps
and respect the roots that grow within me —
To them, I give the greatest gift you will ever receive:
You’ll find yourself instead.