Agony In a Cave

The grotto's black maw beckoning in the gathering shadows,
Creeping vines try to deny entry to the innocent.
Abruptly the shock of fetid air assailed my senses
And, helpless, unable to retreat, I draw near.

What is this force drawing my feet forward
Into the blackness of an unknown hell ?
While fingers on my neck turn my blood to ice..
Whispers urge the need for haste…the time is now.

What brushes against my cheek? Step forward…
The mire beneath my feet is sucking me down.
Evil grabbing my hand.. I have so will or voice.
I can not see, but feel the abyss approaching.

Thrashing ,screaming, begging, I try to find the light.
Only seconds remaining, my heart will surely burst with fright.
My hands find purchase; I grasp  with my last ounce of strength..
The demons prying at my fingers, laughing.. laughing.

I suddenly awake to find the fire has burned low,
My tent collapsed around my head.
Drenched with sweat..I manage to crawl from my cave.
Trying to believe I am safe..
  …… Perhaps it was only the ghosts of campers past.

For Deb's "wicked" contest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Winter Avatar
June 4, 2009 at 4:03 PM
I chose a poem with the word 'agony' in it, to say Yes, please I desperately need chicken soup! Bleck, I hate being sick :(. Thank you sweetie pie, you are the best. Lots of love, Shar xoxo
Fraser Avatar
May 14, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Congrats on your win Barbara, James.
Esquire Avatar
May 14, 2009 at 1:35 PM
My Dearest LOVE Barbara,Congratulations on YOUR Win in Deborah's "Wickedness" Contest A Superb Write Next time I will be with I'll still be scared but I won't let go of YOU LOVE YOU ALWAYS...HG
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
May 14, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Barbara, Congratulatins on placing in Deborah's poem. W-I-C-K-E-D bad dream! Love, Dane
Townsend Avatar
May 14, 2009 at 6:42 AM
Congratulations on the HM. Great writing keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Smiles from Lolita
Strand Avatar
May 13, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Congrats on your success in Debbie's contest BG Rgds Brian
Moreno Avatar
May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Congrats with you HM BG...Raul
Richards Avatar
May 13, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Hooray, Barbara...for your win in Debbie's contest!! Congratulations!! love, Carrie
Winter Avatar
May 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM
YAY Congrats on your win in Debbie's contest! Way to go! Love, Shar
Strand Avatar
May 11, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Best wishes with this write BG.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome omments
Souders Avatar
May 10, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Great write, A winning poem,,,Johnathon
 Avatar
May 10, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Sounds like a scene out of a horror movie--so vividly portrayed. Love the ending. Best wishes in the contest with this well written poem. Thank you for your kind words on my haiku. Have a great week! Karen
Devonshire Avatar
May 8, 2009 at 7:29 PM
You have mail!
Esquire Avatar
May 7, 2009 at 12:59 PM
My Dear Barbara, Wow I see some fierce competition in this Contest YOU have a winner here Vivid imagery even flow Good Luck LOVE FOREVER ALWAYS YOURS...HG
Devonshire Avatar
May 6, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Very sinister, ominous, Barbara! You are the queen of "wicked" campgrounds. (The last line was so funny.) Great poem! Love, Carolyn
Winter Avatar
May 6, 2009 at 5:03 AM
~lol~ and yikes! This is terrifying and hilarious at once! Well written, you really had me going there for a while and held me captive to know the outcome! Good luck! Love, Shar
Strand Avatar
May 6, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Best wishes with this one BG.Rgds Brian
Hudson Avatar
May 5, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I would definately scramble. Great wicked poem..-AA
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