Alone Among the Hoodoos

Wandering through the badlands
of the great south western plains
I happen upon a great assembly of
fairy spires, other worldly
wonders of rocky pinnacles
that dot the high desert landscape.

Strange oddities, these creatures
with their solemn, stony faces
staring toward the westerly horizon.
A foreboding presence grips me
as I pause underneath their 
mighty shadows.

Hoodoos, standing resolute and silent
an ancient tribal assembly of warriors
gathering together, like a timeless
courtroom, judge and jury, waiting
as I stand alone in their midst.

The fading sunlight darkens the
path before me, as I anxiously 
will my feet to carry me away
from this cold, lifeless place.

Pushed along by thoughts of
impending doom, I escape the
mighty hoodoo curse, as
demons of dread are lifted
the further away I travel from
that wild, accursed place.




Written on 6/24/2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Holmes Avatar
July 7, 2015 at 9:05 AM
A memorable write on a memorable place .....thanks for the comment too Laura!.....Peter
Wigley Avatar
June 28, 2015 at 3:47 AM
A great sense of place, Laura. Slightly chilling. The only time I've felt that unsettled is standing at the foot of the organ pipes formation in Namibia- they look like they're about to come clattering down on you. Great poem. Viv x
Leiser Avatar
June 28, 2015 at 3:22 PM
That would have been cool to see the organ pipes formations in Namibia, Viv! In reality, I enjoyed the badlands, but wanted to create a different feeling in my poem....poetic license, you know?!
Johnson Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 11:17 AM
Like deep in the depths of Death Valley. There are some places we shouldn't shilly shally. We walk away and start to breath a breath of new found grace. And realize we never want to return to that place. Love the mystic venture you've portrayed in eloquent poetic form Laura.
Leiser Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 1:32 PM
Thank you for commenting and enjoying this poem, Robert! In reality, I actually was fascinated and enjoyed my hike in Bryce Canyon, Utah. But, let's say, I wouldn't want to be around there at night! :)
Vaso Avatar
June 24, 2015 at 11:32 PM
Wow!! Loved this! :) A7 I dont know what others call it but I love what to me is a "story telling" poem!
Leiser Avatar
June 25, 2015 at 9:31 AM
Thank you, Arthur! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) Those hoodoos are sure stange things, alright...
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