The Green Valley Wood Incident
I'd been working overtime one hot August night
And finished about nine thirty; the sky was still bright
Took a short cut through woods at the edge of town
Was looking forward to a hot shower and a lie down.
I passed the empty picnic area down by the stream
And then heard what I thought sounded like a scream
I stopped dead in my tracks and looked all around
Wondered where it came from; the source of that sound.
I carried on walking and then heard a loud shout
Stopped walking again but there was no one about
Then caught movement out of the corner of my eye
And through some bushes heard, "I don't wanna die".
On the ground was a young girl; stood over by two men
She was quite hysterical and was visibly shaken
One said" It's okay buddy we're just having a bit of fun"
Saw the look on my face and both decided to run.
I ran over to the girl and made sure she was okay
But I was raging inside because the thugs had got away
I phoned the police told them what had taken place
And gave them a good description because I'd seen the ones face.
She said her name was Mandy and that she was fifteen
Then a couple walking their dog appeared on the scene
I said" I've called the police and they are on their way"
Then decided to go after them determined they'd pay.
I could see them in the distance and ran as fast as I could
But it looked like they were heading for Green Valley wood
A wood so dense you'd stick to the paths once inside
A perfect place it was to evade capture and hide.
My thoughts were right and that's where the thugs went
I sent a message to the police and made sure it said sent
I picked up a large stick and then entered the wood
And hoped they didn't have a gun, because use it they would.
An hour soon went by and I was struggling to see
Then I heard a noise and the two thugs stood before me
I froze on the spot and thought maybe I should run
But I didn't get the chance because one of them had a gun.
He then cocked the gun and he pointed it at me
And all that went through my mind was my wife and family
Then what seemed like an eternity I heard someone shout
"Armed police drop your weapon", that text saved me no doubt.
Ten officers appeared and one handcuffed the pair
And as they were led away all I could do was stare
I'd come close to being shot and things may have turned sour
The police were full of praise saying "I was the hero of the hour"
One gave me a lift home, it had been one hell of a day
He thanked me again saying "But for you they'd have got away
The grim reaper had got close; I could have been dead
But all I could think of now was a hot shower and bed.
Written 20th February 2020.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2020
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