Hollow

Hollow Well-earned vacation at last A tough work week in the past Nice evening walk in faint fog Along the banks of a bog Some dog howling up ahead A growl filling me with dread I pause at the sudden yelp Should I turn back or go help? Feet rooted, I strained my ears Breaking branches fuel my fears Dog’s whine begged me to follow Deeper into the Hollow I use words as a writer Certainly not a fighter So, hearing hoofbeats sounding I turn away, heart pounding Old Dutch wives’ tales I have read Hessian horseman with no head And British spies, haunted lies Speed my run, my urgent strides Hoofbeats closer, I look back At the source of this attack Now too dark for me to tell I let out a startled yell I’d tripped on pumpkin unseen Discarded last Halloween Lungs burning, I found my track To the lodge, I’d made it back! Rested adventure writer I pulled the wool throw tighter While sipping hot cocoa with marshmallow Living the Legend of Sleepy Hollow March 1, 2020 Contest: Your Favorite Legend, First Place Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke