| Here is my poem for Suzanne Burke’s ‘Fiction In A Flash Challenge 2021.’ New Image Prompt Week #32. |
This is another Haibun Poem that is a prose paragraph(s) and Haiku/Senryu that connect based on the picture below.
THE ESCAPE
Darkness was closing in on Dara as the purple sunset’s last streaks gave way to the stars peeking through heavy clouds. The branches clawed at her arms and legs as she pushed her way through the brush. Her sweatshirt couldn’t hold back the icy chill that threatened snow. Dara had escaped that crazy man who grabbed her at the bus stop. She’d walked all day through the thick forest and was positive she’d put enough distance between her and evil, but now she was lost. A chill raced through Dara as she remembered his garbled words behind the clown mask.
“No one will hear you scream here, Little Miss.”
He hadn’t even bothered to learn her name. Dara rammed her foot into a log that sent a jolt of pain through her body. Tears ran freely down her face as she sunk onto the crunchy forest floor. Her hand bumped into a cold glass object that had the bitter scent of kerosene. She felt its handle and base. It was a lantern just like her grandma would use when the power went out. There was a package of matches taped to the top. She struck the wooden match and was rewarded with the scent of sulfur and an orange flame. Hopeful, she turned the knob and held the match to the wick. It worked. The night became a little less scary in the lantern’s warm glow. Please show me how to get back to my family.
Her prayers were answered
When the magical lantern
Brought her safely home.
What a clever poetry technique. I like it.
It’s become one of my favorites to use. Thanks, Jacqui:)
Denise, a great story based on a structure I’m not familiar with at all! Loved it and glad you gave it a happy ending. 🙂
Thanks, Eden. I really love putting a prose paragraph together with a Haiku to complete a story. It’s becoming a favor to do. I was going with fairies, but it took a darker turn. Yes, I’m glad she got her wish at the end she’d been through enough.
I love this, Denise! Your prose followed by haiku is perfect. Big hugs! 🤗
Thank you. Gwen. I’ve really taken to new poetry forms. Big hugs back.
Xo
Excellent twist with the finishing poem, Denise! Wonderful take on the prompt. Love it 🙂
Thanks Harmony 🙂 That’s good to hear! Xo
A creepy story with a happy ending. Well done!
Thanks, Mark 🙂 I’m glad it had a happy outcome.
Wow. I got goosebumps from the paragraphs. Thank goodness for that magical lamp. Woot. Woot.
Thanks, Sandra. It definitely took a a twist ao didn’t expect. Yes, yay for the magical lantern 🙂 xo
I really enjoyed this haibun, Denise.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
That turned out well. Fun stuff.
It did, thanks Craig 🙂
A fantastic response to the prompt, Denise! I’m thrilled that it had a happy ending and the poem added the perfect touch!
Thank you, Jan 😉 I love the Haibun format. I’m very happy it turned out good for her too! Xo
Thanks so much for joining in the fun, Denise. I just loved the happy ending! You are clearly enjoying yourself with this format, Your readers are reaping the benefits, great stuff, my friend. I have just had the pleasure of sharing it. 😊
Thanks, Soooz:) You’re right I am enjoying experimenting with this Poetry format. Thanks for providing the place to do it. Xo
My pleasure Xo 😊
Whew, I had a bad feeling at the start of this. Glad it worked out for Dara.
I was worried where this was going too, Jacquie. So relieved she ran into that lantern:) xo
Denise, I love this Haibun poem. You did an excellent job at writing it with a thrilling story.
Thank you, Karen. I’m enjoying this. Xo
So well done, Denise. I was right there with her in the forest. Loved this!
Thanks, Mae. I like to think there’s a bit of magic in the forest that would help when needed.