NIGHTMARE IN THE WOODS

Once long ago,
When I was but a child,
my mother declared
"Some things are wild
out in those woods.
Don't ever go near."
But I always pretended
that I didn't hear.

One day I told her
I'd go for a walk.
She gave me a warning,
"Don't go past that stalk.
Beyond that one cane
do you know what lives there?
Wolves and foxes,
tigers and bears!"

I didn't obey
and I walked right on past
that one tall stalk
that grew in the grass.
Without any thought,
I carelessly strolled
until I looked back
and there was no road.

I panicked and cried,
"Oh Mother, please come!
I've gone too far.
I don't know my way home."
But she couldn't hear,
I was too far away,
lost in the woods,
on that hot summer's day.

A rumbling behind me,
a wail at my side;
all sorts of creatures
appeared in my mind.
A Lion perhaps?
A tiger, a bear?
I searched for my house
But it wasn't there!

I picked up a stick
and turned back to see
what dangerous beast
was headed for me.
Into the mouth
of a tiger I looked.
I was frozen in fear
right where I stood.

He was ready to pounce
a wild look in his eyes.
I knew I was in
for the fight of my life.
The stick in my hand
was a small little limb;
scrawny and brittle,
no match for him.

I swung and I missed him,
then fell to the ground.
My head began swimming,
'round and around.
Dizzy and scared
I knew I was doomed.
One leap from him
and I would be through!

I tried to get up
but fell again. Plop!
Why-there was my dresser,
there was my clock!
The tiger was nowhere
around to be seen.
I laughed, "Oh my gosh.
It was only a dream!"

Learn more about this author, Meggie Hardy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Poetry: Poems for children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!