Thrashing In the Dark

A glorious sunset in an opening Never before seen. Miles from nowhere. Dimming iridescent sunset. The forest shines light to the East Eyes can't adjust to the shadows of the West. The light of the day led to this throne Breaking trails though walls of green Opening like a curtain revealing anew Wanted to leave early but decided against Opting for just one more moment of awe Faced with uncertainty direction is known Only because backwards was in hours ago First steps are easy as the forest denses Ruckus of movement echoes away and back Lumbering clumsily full of strength Sticks breaking, leaves brushing Thorns sticking, bits of bark blinding Blackness of night dimming. Steps weakening Shins stopped by logs. Bruises throbbing Straight lines becoming circles Faint remnants of twilight rotate on horizon Ducking under widow-makers blindly The tree fogs hums rising Deer huff sightless upon approach The lonely wolf between here and home Draws out a far-to-close harmonious note What was that? A sound I didn't make Stopped abruptly, heal to toe tipping Heavy breaths echo from mouth to ear Holding breath with throat rasping starting to crackle Ears perked pinging the darkness. Faint white noise increasing in volume Sharp cracks penetrate the silence It's coming right at me. Fear races, body tenses Bear on a charge with it's prey in sight Heavy limbs breaking, small branches twanging Thrashing closer as hairs raise on end Skin of scalp tightens sloughing from the skull Legs begin running before being told The brain is still interpreting failing senses Gnarly fangs of timber tearing at cloth and flesh Anguish escapes with a primal face crunching growl As crag hooks foot in a hand-less fall Ears ringing as pain numbs in anticipation Louder and louder the pursuer above crashes Veering right past me Another wayward traveler surging aimlessly Thrashing the darkness as if being chased. Trying to find his way home in the Dark. In the Dark 9/11/17