The Silent Sage

In ancient age
When forest trees
Were giants old
A withered sage
Walked through this wood
A wizened voice
Told wisdom true
But no one heard.

For evil spoke
From graying lips
The witch she knew
That blackened smoke
From her great fire
Would travel far
The sage would reach
And do its work.

Would silenced be
And could no more
Speak honored words
His shouted plea
Heard only by
The rushing wind
Which carried fast
Her vicious spell.

Now still he floats
And to this day
There’s never been
In withered throat
Another sound
A ghost he wanders
Through this wood
A silent sage
That speaks no truth.