Surreal Nature

In the centre of the woods, I switched off my torch. Utter blackness. Wet branches drip-dropped onto my head. Fresh autumnal air blended with the smell of decaying leaves, and faint whiffs of wild plants lingered. The softly gurgling nearby river was the only sound, until a creature shrieked. An owl hooted and I shivered, although the night was mild. Dead wood cracked and I spun round, disorientated. A fox cub barked. I smiled and then felt a spider’s sticky dewy web cling to my face. Tiny tickly legs crossed my forehead and left me. No other human was near. I felt at one with nature and sensed magic all around me. I could believe fairies danced in this place. My ancient ancestors had felt all this. This moment was timeless. birds begin to sing in the surrounding trees - - shafts of light appear 7th October for Constance’s Haibun contest