Scary Moments

I felt the saddle’s movement;
I heard the horse’s snort;
Around my neck I felt the rope
Of my weight to soon support

Underneath a giant oak
I sat upon my steed
As I awaited punishment
For some malignant deed

I heard the creaking of the hemp
Against an oaken limb
‘T is Hell would I soon visit
… I was sitting on its’ rim.

I looked down, and all about:
Oaken acorns on the ground!
I urged to pick them up …
But … both my hands were bound.

My thoughts were all distorted
My vision was a blur
I tried so hard to scream
But … my words were just a slur

I felt the rope go taut -
Someone slapped my horses’ rump …
I heard the snapping of my neck
And felt the jerk and bump!

Suddenly I was screaming
Sitting upright in my bed
Sweat was pouring off me
I was sure that I was dead!

Slowly did I realize
The nightmare had been a dream
All was calm and normal
… not at all like it had seemed.

Back down on my pillow
I lay my sweaty head
Smiling unto myself …
I was glad I wasn’t dead.

I felt something on my pillow
 … in the dim light did I stare …
Horror rushed back into me:
‘T was an acorn lying there!
5/17/2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Ryerson Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 5:46 PM
Goosebumps and chills! What a dream...The last verse is a knockout! Congrats to you Jack - Tim
Clark Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 9:00 PM
Thank you for "stopping by", Tim ... and for your warm reception of my rendering of "Scary Moments'. I am so looking forward to reading your offerings this coming weekend. Thank you, again. Jack C
Smith Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 10:46 AM
I knew you would win with a scary one, Jack!.. Right up your ally... You always give me chills and thrills. Congrats on a terrific win my friend.. Love the use of hemp instead of rope.. Excellent write.. Arlene
Clark Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Hellooooooo Your Arlene-ship!! I've been up to my ears in alligators around here for the past few days ... hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to read some poetry, (yours in particular!). I thank you for your kind words ... Your buddy, Jack C
A   Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 3:58 PM
I'm glad you are enjoying the soup Jack, thanks for the reply
A   Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 10:06 AM
Jack, Congrats on your Scary moment win. Thanks for sharing........Love Linda
Clark Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Thank you, Linda. This was an encouraging event ... and will entice me to enter more contests - win, lose or draw!
Johnson Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 5:35 PM
A great scary moment. I am glad it wasn't real. congratulations. Love, Joyce
Clark Avatar
June 9, 2014 at 11:06 AM
Thank you, Joyce, for your words of encouragement - I truly appreciate your stopping by. Jack C
Roberts Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 3:38 AM
I agree with Andrea Jack, great words that held one til the end, even though you guessed it was a dream. Congrats ....Seren
Clark Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 6:30 AM
Thank you for your positive words, Seren - they are truly appreciated. Jack C
Dietrich Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 9:59 PM
this is a really really good one. I think the judge should have created a third number one spot for this one! congrats.
Clark Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Andrea. I'm just grateful for the chance to be included in the contest ... and I'd be thrilled for just a "mention". Jack C
Nance Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 8:36 PM
*jaws drop* this is absolutely perfect. You triggered emotion after emotion, retribution, sympathy, relief and intrigue. You have deserved your medal and beyond with this write, I loved it!
Clark Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 10:54 PM
Oh! I'm so glad you liked it, Casarah! It was inspired by a nightmare I had years ago ... and it was fun to compose. Thank you, for your generous comment - greatly appreciated. Jack C
Mehta Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 9:40 AM
Congratulations on a fine win in the contest, jack
Clark Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 6:35 PM
thank you, Dr. ... I thoroughly enjoyed all the entrants poetry submissions. It was a lot of fun. Jack C
Hamilton Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 8:51 AM
wonderful imagery Jack congrats on second place ty for taking part hugs
Clark Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 6:34 PM
Thank you, Shadow! It was great fun ... and I thank you for the award. Congratulations, too ... to ALL the winners. Jack C.
Gorelick Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 12:07 PM
Now that is creepy..a great write. Bg
Clark Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 12:23 PM
Oh my, Barbara ... for a long time I was on a "dark" writing phase (it was right after I re-read some of Edgar Allen Poe's work) ... and while those creations are not who I am, I was compelled to put them to "digital paper". I'm pleased you viewed this one favorably! Thank you. Jack C
Green Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 11:39 AM
Now this one is great, I feel like I am right there with you. Poem really brings a person in.... beautifully crafted
Clark Avatar
May 17, 2014 at 11:48 AM
Hi, Amy! I'm pleased you enjoyed it, and I appreciated your taking time to post your encouraging comment. Jack C
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