Notes About The Poem

For Edward Ibeh's Pick-A-Title, Vol 49 Poetry Contest

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Augury

One dismal gloaming while I was alone
inside my cabin in the woods so deep,
the wind whipped at my door; it seemed to moan.
I imagined creatures and how they creep
within the dark. Then suddenly I heard
an owl’s hoot. I recalled what Mama said
about three hoots from that nocturnal bird.
It means “beware,” and then I heard with dread,
another hoot. What danger might lurk near?
I trembled mightily that blackened night
in case a third hoot I should chance to hear.
The third hoot sounded. I was fraught with fright.
I could not sleep. Oh, would that owl hoot more?
It’s then I heard the scratching at my door . . .
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Miller Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Oh what an ending, love this poem, congratulations
Ibeh Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest with this fascinating write with a sense of foreboding and dread. I love the owl symbolisms and the open-to-interpretation ending. Nicely done, Andrea!
Dietrich Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Thanks. I had no idea where I was going with it so I ended it as a mystery.
Hind Avatar
February 26, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Whoah, creeepy lol enjoyed your sonnet <3
Empress Avatar
February 25, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Gosh such a descriptive story youv told in such a poetic manner using this form, you definitely are such an expert in writing sonnets and this is no exception! The ending here makes me want to know more and find out whats next! So intriguing! Best wishes for the contest! You did an amazing job! Sending you light always
Dietrich Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Thanks. I appreciate how you feel about my sonnet writing.
George Avatar
February 24, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Owls are supposed to be birds of ill omen. They are friends of darkness. While most birds sit and rest in their nests, owls fly about ad keep awake during night. Their hooting is enough to unnerve even the most courageous ones. Well done.
Dietrich Avatar
February 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Thanks, Valsa. I can only imagine how it would feel to be alone in a cabin in the woods and hear it all the time!
Mckeithan Avatar
February 24, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Good one Andrea. Like the ending. Leave it to our imagination.
Singh Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Long ago when I was ill for long I was afraid at the hooting of an owl one night from a peepai tree.So nicely written Wish you the best
Parker Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 6:52 PM
I heard if an owl called your name it was an omen of your death, having spent a lot of time in the woods and forests it can be scary if you allow it
Tor Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Wow Andrea this one was really scary. I have just gotten back to commenting. I will catch up with all your poetry. Maria Williams did a song video on my Wish Upon A Star Poem. If you have a chance please go to Maria's poem page and comment on the video I would really appreciate your thoughts on it. Thank you Andrea...
Buhagiar Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Could it be a bear? We have no owls here and so no hooting but ill-luck is not scarce. Lovely sonnet, though.
Dietrich Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I don't know what it is. I leave it to the readers imagination. I never thought of bear but that's a good guess!
Kendrick Avatar
February 23, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. I wonder what the scratch at the door happened to be. Thanks for sharing your story in poetic form with us. Sara K
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