Once Upon a Forest Walk

The forest is cool, inviting.  I look for small wildflowers in lush grasses growing beneath the trees.  Sunlight streams in shafts
and there is birdsong, birdsong and delicate ferns on gentle banks.

Soon, I see a pathway that winds beside a clear stream.  The roots
from the trees reach toward the water etching deep ruts .
Large rocks decorate the edges -mark the curves that beckon
beckon me to follow on.

A large puddle appears, blocking the path. I take off my shoes and paddle through enjoying the squishy mud.

Suddenly, a bear - I STOP, 
watch it foraging for berries.  With caution,
 I back, silently away to let it follow the terrain
 onward to its cave and hibernation.

Something sparkles on the ground - I stoop- pick it up.
 It is a long key with a open circled end. I put it in my pocket
thinking it will make an interesting ornament.

At the end of the path, I find a rustic cottage with
 high garden gates, banks of rhododendrons. 
A secluded hideaway.
There is neatness, order to the whole scene.
 smoke rises from a chimney 
into clouds overhead.

I pull out the key. It sparkles temptingly.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
May 31, 2021 at 7:10 AM
Lovely poem. You had me at the title. Beautiful ~
Mohammed Avatar
July 31, 2013 at 4:58 AM
Hi Suz the journey you took my mind down was one of suspense and tranquility.I wished this journey never ended.I liked this one from you much.
Johnson Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 8:13 PM
Leaving us in suspense. Good ploy. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
A   Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 3:44 PM
an awesome fantasy poem... congrats :-) love LINDA
Hamilton Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 5:28 AM
Hi SuZ most enjoyable poem congrats on your win ty for entering Shadow x smiles
Phillips Avatar
June 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Nice piece with an element of surprise.I followed you all the way on this nature trail.
Chircop Avatar
June 27, 2013 at 3:08 AM
Enchanting and pure fairytale..I love it...Maybe next time ypu tell us if the key was tempting enough tto open the cottage door and reveal what you found..Maybe part two ? :).you re a great storyteller sweet lady. I love your post-Charma
Undertaker Avatar
June 26, 2013 at 8:23 AM
great write.gives peace.wonderful!.gives peace great!
Heckman Avatar
June 23, 2013 at 10:01 AM
nice write. I enjoyed your trip to the forest even though I am a city person...very expressive with great imagery
Duncan Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 6:29 PM
very cute ;}
Thomas Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 7:56 PM
I felt like I was in that forest, its so descriptive gives a great visual feeling ,,,lovely write suz..really enjoyed!!!
Humphries Artist Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 1:12 PM
Love it, a nice little adventure!
Sirak Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Your descriptions are wonderful. You painted a scene with words that I can see.
Kendrick Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Surprise ending..Sara
A  Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 9:14 AM
for some reason this poem had put me at ease, such a lovely write, enjoyed your write XOXO SKAT
De La Croes Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 12:21 AM
Don't do it, Goldilocks! Great write, SuZ. There are many elements in your excellent descriptive poem of one I have been composing in my mind on a similar theme. Have a great weekend... David
Dietrich Avatar
June 20, 2013 at 10:06 PM
wow,I love where your imagination took you. I gotta try this one and then remember to put it in the contest. haha!!!
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