Below is my piece for Suzanne Burke’s ‘Flash in a Fiction Challenge’ Week #13 Image Prompt. I had a heck of a time choosing the poem to post here. I ended up with several peoms, but narrowed it down to two. One was full of images and a connection to the soul, but the other one reminded me of a favorite poem, “A Road Less Traveled” by Robert Frost. Here’s the one that narrowly won out.
TREASURE
I searched day and night
For this promised treasure.
Given no map or guidance
Only a family quest to fulfill.
Each morning started the same…
Through the pines, cedars, and dogwoods
I followed my path.
My eyes scanned the hushed forest.
And when the filtered sunbeams departed…
So did I.
I repeated this ritual daily, never changing my course
Until that one day…
A shimmer sparkled between two large sugar pines.
Encouraged, I veered off into the unknown.
I soon found this careless choice difficult…
Leaving me conflicted…
And scraped and bruised from this uncharted territory.
But the small light beckoned me forward…
Until the sunbeams dissipated…
I turned to go home.
That’s when I saw it… shiny, bright, and golden.
I knew it was the promised family treasure
Quickly I swooped up the old key, studying it.
It was exactly as described down to the three holes,
But it offered no answers, only more questions.
I carefully tucked it away in my pocket.
All I had to do was… find the lock.
Here’s where my next journey began.
I’ll continue until I find what I seek…
The lock that my treasured key opens…
And what exists beyond.
Embrace your inner child by trying something new. D. L. Finn
Outstanding!
Thanks, Billy 🙂 It was a great picture to work from!
Incredible poem, Denise. Loved it! ♥ ♥
Thank you, Gwen xo
This is a wonderful poem, Denise! A stunning contribution and one I’ll be sharing in a few moments on the Challenge blog. Thanks so much for joining in again, Denise. 😊
Thank you, Soooz 🙂 Your pictures inspire me xo
Music to my ears, my friend. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next time you enter. 😊
So well done, Denise.
Thanks, John 🙂
Love this, Denise. Every family should have a treasure to seek and cherish. Well done!
Thank you, Mae. Yes they should:) xo
Oooh I like that–treasure as a map.
Nothing like a good quest!
Your poem is as shiny as the key, Denise! A treasure!
Awe, thanks, Miriam:)
You’re welcome, Diana! 🙂
What a fantastic response to the photo prompt, Denise. I loved the last lines, ” I’ll continue until I find what I seek…
The lock that my treasured key opens…
And what exists beyond.” Isn’t that what life is all about? Just beautiful!
Thank you, Jan. Yes, it is the journey to find that “treasure.” xo
Beautiful Denise! The ending of the poem reminds me of a Bollywood song in which they have the key of an unknown lock.
All the best for your search and another poem to celebrate. 🙂
Thanks, Balroop! I like when you can relate poetry to music. 🙂
A beautiful poem, Denise.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
Wonderful, Denise! 🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂
Suzanne’s prompts are producing some great writing. I love the mystery in this, Denise. I wondered if the treasure was home and family, but the open end is a great hook for more. <3
Thanks, Diana:) Yes there has been some amazing pieces and poetry for Suzanne’s challenges! You are right I did leave it open.
Lovely poem, Denise. Trust your inner child.
Thank you, Rob. I am definitely trying to:)
Denise, I loved the emotion you brought out in the poem. A creative take on the photo prompt.
Thank you, Karen. I’m having fun Doing this:)