Stranded

A raging river tenaciously floods Tannins and silts combine to dark blood A hut, just fifty metres, occupying their sight Two men, cold and wearied, stuck for the night An adventure all planned, lasting a week In the middle of nowhere with red deer to seek Twelve-hours of hiking, commencing that day Now trapped with some refuge a stone throw away. Cracking of boulders being pushed by the current Affirming the folly of crossing this torrent. Necessities shaping a cold camp till the dawn Just tattered old plastic, to use as an awn. Soft moss as a bed but soaking from rain Ferns as a pillow don’t cushion colds pain. Dark of the evening only adds to the pall Deaths favoured colour, as rain continues its fall Shivering endless; bodies fighting the shock Drops of clouds tears slowed to the tick of a clock. Moisture still falling, no hope for them now Prospects were mirrored by the dark of the hour Subtly the winds whispered breathe in their ear. Fight. Rekindling the flames to survive their harsh plight Packs full of food, swiftly emptied for fuel Bodies recharged in spite of the cool. Rain in the dark hours continued to pour Sounds from the river commenced to fair roar, First crack of dawn and they got up and away Wilderness wins this particular day. *Based on a true story however my companion and I were stuck in the elements for 2 days and nights. Another river flooded and blocked our exit.*