Fear of the Dark !

texting when somebody is talking to you = bad manners !

I felt compelled as oft the case

to take a stroll of an evening late

so suitably attired I set off, 

out the door, out the gate,

crossed the road, walked ahead

approahed to a lonely lane

and with purpose in stride 

proceeded along dark domain!

 

The night sky clear, stars twinkling

set far behind a luminous moon

blackthorn hedge on either side, 

enclosed within a linear tomb

undeterred I journeyed onwards

as sterile air revitalized my lungs

then in the stillness of the night

I heard the wagging of little tongues?

 

Caw and cackle of old crows

roosting high up in the trees

each securing solid purchase

before the night time freeze

then maybe a shrieking banshee cry

nope, just the howling of a feral fox,

those flapping sounds, vampires not

just a circling owl or hunting hawks

 

now well freshed, calm and satiated

intrigued by nature’s nocturnal, noise,

returning home, back up the street, 

I passed a couple of hooded boys

politely I bid one each “Good night”  

but no reply, each texting on phones,

so briskly I continued home, though

perturbed..

Those two rude beings chilled my bones!

Author's Note

BTW the accompanying photo is me, in winter attire ! ( Scary ) !!

Reviews

[AYVID N]

The evening walk was delightful Tom! All those chilling yet thrilling night noises are so energezing and would be lovely followed by a drink and dinner! Enjoyed the fine, well crafted verses very much. A poem after my heart. And the pic is a treat for your friends who get to see more of you!

[Tom]

Hey Divya my beautiful and brilliant Indian bard, here's a proposal? What about you & me take a walk along that chilling lane one dark night, and if you don't get too afraid and run away, I'll buy the drink & dinner...spicy with papadoms of course !!

[AYVID N]

All smiles. Now that would be a true treat, dear Tom. I am so captivated by the beauty of your land, the white woods must glow under the moon as did the lovely homes beside the Atlantic, lit up with fairy lights. I can so imagine the chilling beauty at night. So, dear friend, I'll look forward to next visit. Dinner would be appreciated a lot! I love port wine. And no, I won't be running away from such great stuff! :)

[Tom]

Hi Divya! If went for a similar walk together in your lovely land, might a tiger or leopard eat us ??

[AYVID N]

Lol. Perhaps not dear Tom but I'd be more afraid of people. The ruffians on the streets. The dark hour and you and me would make for quite an exotic kind of pair :)

[Tom]

Yes we would indeed, yea, you're right, it's human beings that are the more likely menace and sadly, that may well be the case wherever we venture, but I'm happy to take my chance !!

[AYVID N]

Thats so sweet and nice to know, my dear friend....

[Tom]

You describe the fear of dark very well, this poetic story has much rich lines and a beautiful imagery
That brings me really there... the photo made me smile, I see where you got your inspiration from, that's lovely! :) Nice work Tom.

- Elisa

[Tom]

Thank you Elisa for such a perceptive review !

You're very welcome Tom. :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

You're execution of this piece was excellent. A great telling of a simple story, punctuated with an engaging, and relative ending. Well done!

[Tom]

Thank you poetic heroics for your adept review!

[Rachelle]

On whom shall we place the blame, sir? We are the fruits of our environment. In a world that places technological modernity in awe and wonder, the virtues of grace, charm and genteelity are rarely taught - sometimes, hardly exhibited. While technology does allow us to interact in levels far beyond what was once physically impossible to do, our social mores have only now started to catch up. The young imbibe from their elders, sir. Manners and values are caught and not taught.

[Tom]

'Manners maketh a Man' ! ( and a Women) !! Thank you sweetbind for such an interesting review though I beg to differ, manners are/should be taught though sadly not always caught !

[Rachelle]

If deeply imbibed in the culture of the system/institution then it would be possible as in the practice of many of my people to say po or opo when addressing an older person. If it is practiced, it will be caught.

[Tom]

Yes that's the theory behind it, though doesn't always work !

[Rachelle]

It's probably because a stronger, more pervasive culture of apathy is at work and they caught that... as I stated.... We are the products of our environment....

[Tom]

Yes indeed, I see what you mean now and you certainly make a concise and valid point & thanks again for your perception with this one !

[Rachelle]

With pleasure, sir!

[Joyce S. Greene]

That's a very nice photo, Tom, nothing to apologize for, that's for sure! And you know how to dress to keep warm, other than your bare hands, that is . . . Even though nature often sounds unruly and loud at least there's some real communication going on! I'm in complete agreement with you - IMHO texting is "for the people" - "the birds" would never stoop so low so I've invented a new cliche. Another really good poem, my friend.

[Tom]

Thank you Joyce for your understanding of my story & of course your always very welcome visit!

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

When somebody greets you, you must be grateful because someone has remembered you. Lately, manners are not evident in our youth, as if they are more engaged in modern devices which become "walls" to good relationship with others.
Sort of a vent but nice rhyme scheme.

[Tom]

Indeed Dhaye, a rant with rhyme and thank you for the favourable comments!

[Marie]

People can be far more frightening than nature and her creatures.

I'll bet that white stuff on the ground behind you is snow--right?

[Tom]

Your are correct on both counts Marie, & many thanks for your visit !!

[Great Aunt Astri]

You are b....y right! Those damn people attached to their technology are a unholy menace! Do they even notice that they live in a real world?

[Tom]

Don't think they do G.A. Astri? And thanks for the comments!

[Dr. Wood ?]

so true of the kids of today Tom....I bet they were txting each other......Conversation, it seems IS an art

[Tom]

Doubtless they were Doc & thank you for the visit !

[Dr. Wood ?]

ok tom...I DID think that UNTIL a lonely lane sounded a little odd in the poem...maybe Up to might fit better...But then I am a silly old Englishman

[Tom]

Solved that little ambiguity Doc. and you're far from silly my friend, that's for sure !!

[Sheila Kline]

And just look what these boys missed as they were busy with the modern day of communication while you were able to be immersed in the mood, sights, sounds, darkness, feelings of apprehension, suspense and all you so vividly and expertly describe in your poem. And to think they might have actually seen you in your winter attire and been spooked "fer shur"...........lol
The poem is wonderful, and your pic is so very nice! Thank you for sharing with us!!

[Tom]

So true Sheila they were in a world of their own and thank you indeed for such a terrific review !