That fog of dawn was rare, indeed.
Yet, it could not impede her risk to take.
With confidence partial to her steed,
security in its bravery she did make.

Such a pale dawn’s gallop destined for the wood
scoped her pupils and surged the veins.
She’d channel chilled winds through nostrils and red hood
just to preserve her youth as unchained.

Though the morn cloaked as any,
its thick midst would mask beasts that lay.
Competition of the wood never dreamed of this many.
Of creature and man, their fill was plenty.
For, the pack’s heavy count stood built to slay.

She mocked their offered swords — too many instances to count.
But, they’re few of adequate innocence to state her blame.
Terror in the A.M. would be her reward.
Now, her horse would be forced to live to her acclaim.

Frolicking past such a resting heap
meant this party was conceived as meat.
Her animal’s true nature commenced its seep.
Brawny muscles and pearly coats disguised his deceit.

The incisor punctures let saliva sink,
’til white fur and white dress both faded to pink.
In cowardice passion, he bucked free of saddled links.
His screaming drowned the facts of her fling, and he thundered to mediocrity,
leaving her body to stink.
She fights with branch in-hand even as her poise shrinks.

And, how could these canines’ tackle not spell doom?
Because, intentions lie different in another pursuer’s scope.
A migrant hunter caught site at first distress to let his security loom.
His assertive arrow and sailing sword shifted to works of her hope.

He’d glimpses of her elegance between his slashes and thrusts,
but premised no lure ’til they spewed, yelped, and fled.
A greater lust to mend her slices and cuts —
her longevity reigns as his agenda instead.

And, in the deepest of shock, she first clawed his eyes.
His patience shook, but
he knew she’d mistake any as beasts no matter the face.
He’d forethought she’d grow to long for rides and an embrace.
He’d heard of her repute in the lands of the wise.
And, still, her compliance required his sword at her side,
the whole journey,
as he carried her to deathless space.

From the Soul,

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📕“Babe in the Woods” is a piece from my upcoming published anthology, “Return from the Pale Trail: Gifts to Humanity We’ve Been Taught to Forget.” I’m ecstatic to share this wonderful piece of literature with the family. I hope you all enjoy. Until then, feel free to check out my other published materials.