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Howling Wilderness

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June-22- 2025
This or That- Vol.34. Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Edward Ibeh

 

 

When wanderlust began pounding my heart, On a beautiful autumn afternoon, crisp and sunny, I set out on a trek to the nearby woods. The leaves on trees had begun turning ruddy. All along, I saw ripening fruits and wild herbs, And paused to take pictures, but kept moving. No doubt, it was a rewarding experience. The lure of the unknown seemed bewitching. From the cluster of flowers on a sprawling tree, The wind wafted a rare exotic smell divine. I heard the twitter of chirping sparrows. Could spot large squirrels with striped design. Proceeding further, heard a gurgling sound. It must be a small cataract, I did suppose My guess was right. It fell off a rock and ran into a stream, With murmur enough to lull one to sweet repose. Feeling happy over my progress without hitch, Listening to the soft cajoling of birds, And the confused drone of honey bees, I walked playfully stamping on the weeds. By the time, I reached half the way, The forest fell into darkness earlier to sunset. It shattered my peace and blotted out my sight That I started running wild, feeling violently upset. I knew I had strayed far off the accustomed path. Saw the dark sky above, heard a foreboding owl’s hoot. My path was severely obstructed by a tangle of creepers. Feeling puzzled, I could hear the loud thump of my heart. I felt lost, so lost in my way and in my head, I suspected there were monsters all around me. And the gut- wrenching knowledge that there was no help With chances of getting out, not at all a guarantee. Under a thicket, covered with brambles, I saw a sudden movement as that of a beast And was afraid to look over my shoulders, Lest I might behold some blood sucking bat. My teeth smashed and my knees smote I swooned unable to think or act, hear or see For how long I lay there in a trance, not sure When I woke, I saw myself lying at the foot of a tree. On my body, I felt the stinging pain of bug bites Finding deep scratches all over me, I did sigh. But to my relief, I saw the sun beams filtering down, And an orange tint streaming across the foggy sky. Through thistles and thorny shrubs, I tried to find my way Forgetting the aches in my body from cuts and bruises, I walked in panic as the wild whimpered making me hysterical. At last by sheer luck, got out of that howling wilderness.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 6/22/2025 8:28:00 PM
Valsa, beautifully penned, best of luck in the contest ~
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Date: 6/22/2025 12:42:00 PM
Your "Howling Wilderness" is a creative write/story with a Great Picture. Love It... "Good Luck" We both did this one. Have a lovely day writing away...............
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Date: 6/22/2025 11:46:00 AM
Dear Valsa, you've written a great poem about the contrast between the beauty of nature and the confusion of feeling lost. It delves into themes of adventure, the pull of the unknown, and the anxiety that might accompany exploration. This path from amazement to perplexity and terror demonstrates the unpredictability of walking and the narrow line between enjoyment and danger in nature. Best for a win.
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Date: 6/22/2025 10:34:00 AM
All along, I saw ripening fruits and wild herbs, And paused to take pictures, but kept moving... My path was severely obstructed by a tangle of creeper…wow those ending verses! I felt the angst, fear, pain! Great write, Valsa! phew…
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Date: 6/22/2025 9:58:00 AM
Nice poem. Howling wilderness can be spooky.
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