A walk in the woods

Woodland near where I live. Copyrighted to Karen Payze

It was not long ago

that I walked that well-worn path

in my favourite neck of the woods

When I came across a place

I had ne’er seen before

A tinkling of water

sounded through the dense leaves

of the dark and gloomy place

 

I followed that sound

’till I came upon a clearing

A stream, crystal clear, bubbled along

and down o’er a small waterfall

the water so cool

so fresh

so inviting

 

What did I think?

I looked around

A branch creaked here

a bird twittered there

a dog barked from afar

I stepped out of my shoes

I slipped off my dress

and I drew down my knickers

 

I shivered

but not from the cold

From the adrenalin

that punched at my heart

As quick as I could

I did jump from the bank

and landed waist deep in the water

I crouched down low

and waded around

like one of the fish

that now surrounded my body

 

Then, in a single blink

my good mood had faded

as I felt something warm

and smooth

and fleshy

worm its way round my leg

 

In one giant leap

I did leave that water

and on the bank

I did stand and quiver

But my angst was

soon over-ridden

as I now became aware

of a snigger

a giggle

and laughter

 

From behind me I heard it

and as I did turn

I was suddenly

aware of my predicament

I was red all over as I stood in my rage

And who was it that sat in the water?

‘Twas none other than my own lover

 

And in my anger

I did kick hard at the water

Would you believe my surprise

as my foot did rise,

a piece of driftwood

did follow on behind

 

I stood and watched

as that six-inch stick

flew through the air

and connected with his head

 

From that day to this

whenever someone asks him

“How is it you got that scar

on your forehead?”

He smiles ruefully and answers,

“It was my beautiful countess.

She did seal our love

with a stark reminder

of why I should never

surprise her!”

This poem is also published on Poet’s Corner

 

Water feature at Wakehurst Gardens. Copyrighted to Karen Payze

Copyright  © 210712  by Karen Payze

• Posted in: Poetry - Of Sorts ♦ Women are complicated
• Tagged: lovers, poem, poems, poetry, river, stream, surprise, swim, walking, water, Water Resources, waterfall, woodland, woods