mischief -

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Gregory Richard Barden.


Related image

the uplands of the Scottish countryside
          have held a riddle, many hundred years

a meager man-type creature called a HOB
     creating rumors of their mischief, grand

the tales are often curious and quaint
          replete with random sightings and ordeals

depending on the mind of who you ask
     as some are quite confusing, others clear

most stories say they move about at night
          disguised in skins of sheep amidst the flock

repairing fences, roofs and wagon wheels
     returning lambs when one has gotten free

some tales are told of weary hikers, saved
          of those who'd wandered off, deep in a storm

folks injured in the woods, who fell asleep
     yet woke up in their houses safe and sound

some others tell of sickness and disease
          that somehow found a healing overnight

odd, empty bottles found upon the floor
     that smelled of herbs nobody recognized

the strangest, of some kin who'd gotten lost
          they found them later, frozen, by the road

the bodies had been covered up with care
     except their child, an infant boy ... was gone!

the folks around assumed that he had died
          and nothing else was said for many years

until one spring, a lad walked from the hills
     who spoke a language, ancient and unused

quite recently, a group of science folk
          were digging thru some ruins, near a bog

they came to find a score of little bones
     preserved and buried, deep within the peat

they sent the small remains back to a lab
          and had them all examined close with care

determined they had "nearly human" genes
     but NOTHING they had ever seen ... before

so, if someday you're in the Scottish hills
          and chance to see a sheep deep in the wood

could be, you haven't spotted sheep at all …
     but rather, that a HOB ...

has spotted you!






~ 6th Place ~  in the "A Form Of Mischief" Poetry Contest
Nina Parmenter, Judge & Sponsor.

* I chose to write in a version of Couplet form WITHOUT rhyme, called "Couplet Me Entertain You". *

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 11/9/2018 4:49:00 PM
Very witty and I love the clever name for your form:-) Hugs Jan xx
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/9/2018 5:26:00 PM
Oh, that's so nice of you, Jan, and I greatly appreciate it - so glad you enjoyed this one ... it was fun! I'd like to turn this (and a couple of others) into a short story or novella. One of these days, perhaps, when my other hundred projects are done, lol. Blessings, my friend! :-) <3
Date: 10/19/2018 8:42:00 PM
humorous indeed
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/30/2018 2:14:00 AM
Thank you, LT! :-)
Date: 10/8/2018 12:12:00 PM
And there is the legend of the man who made finding this creature his HOBby … Congrats, Gregory, on your win in the contest. Best always, Gershon
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/13/2018 6:59:00 PM
LOL - good one! And thanks so much for the kind words, my friend! :-)
Date: 10/4/2018 8:45:00 PM
Congratulations Greg. I knew this poem would be in the winner's circle! : )
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/6/2018 12:03:00 AM
You are always very kind, Connie, and I am always blessed by it! Best wishes, Dear Friend! :-) <3
Date: 10/4/2018 7:13:00 PM
Lots of fun 'mischief' in your entertaining story, Greg! Your couplets are unrhymed, but your Iambic Pentameter is spot on! Congratulations on your win! Sandra :)
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/6/2018 12:02:00 AM
Thanks so much, Sandra - yes, the unrhymed couplets were my "twist" on the form, haha! Blessings, Dear Friend! :-) <3
Date: 10/4/2018 5:22:00 PM
Very creative, Greg. CONGRATS! Janice
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/6/2018 12:01:00 AM
Thank you so much, Janice! :-) <3
Date: 10/2/2018 2:46:00 PM
So creative, but my favorite was the note 'couplet me entertain you!'
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 11:50:00 PM
Thank you so much, Michelle - I'm glad it made you smile! :-) <3
Date: 9/30/2018 11:28:00 PM
WOW, WOW Greg! What an entertaining story! I was riveted to the end. This will surely rate high! I really enjoyed it! : )
Login to Reply
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 11:50:00 PM
Thank you very much, Connie - that's so sweet of you! :-) <3
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Hide Ad