Into the Woods

Into the woods she walks wearing a red hooded plain woolen cape; moving cautiously as she talks to herself to ease the dreaded fear she wants to escape. She hears the crunching of dry leaves mulching under her feet. A maiden friend she'll meet on the other end of the woods; a shortcut to her neighborhood. She wished she'd brought her fearless dog in case she got caught by a dangerous wild; he would scare whatever was there. The ascending sun brought streaks of blue sky as it peaks casting shadows across the ground. She follows the path through the woods. A sharp breeze springs up slicing through the autumn morn. She freezes drawing a short breath of dread. The quiet is broken and drowned. Branches creak and leaves rattle, with the flapping of wings as frighten birds quickly take flight. She quickens her steps and made her way to the end. Left behind, where the wild things are. 1/8/2019 Poetry Contest: Free Verse Style Only Sponsored by: Emile Pinet