Friday, July 19, 2013

Swain Woods - Part 1

 



This story comes from the truth and fantasy of a young girl.  This happened to me as written, but with deviations into the dreams of that girl long ago.

Swain Woods was at the top of the hill, at the end of the road.  The road closed onto a narrow horse trail in the meadow full of tall grass and wildflowers.  It meandered near a house closed and gated with mystery.  As a young girl of 5 or 6 I could explore nearby, but not yet brave enough to follow the trail into the woods.
The woods had tall trees and I could see a darkness there.  Oh my heart desired to enter and explore, but yet something held me back.  Was it the darkness, the unknown?  Was it a sign of a time when I would walk into the darkness alone?

As I grew a little older and moved to the other side of the woods, I became a braver girl.  I also was a day-dreamer girl and dreamt of a day I would be brave enough to enter the woods, the darkness.  Yes, I would enter there one day alone to dream.  They would be the dreams of a girl of 8 or 9.  It was a place I knew I could venture alone, as my sister was not allowed to walk near the poison ivy there.  Poison ivy didn't cause the problems for me that it did for her.  So in my secret little joy I entered Swain Woods.  I followed the trail made by the horses.  I became an explorer that day.

Entering the woods the sun was often hidden behind the tall trees.  There was a damp coolness, a spongy cushion to the ground. The sounds of birds not usually heard enchanted my young ears and heart.  The hoot of the owl and the tapping of the woodpecker serenaded.  The fallen trees across the trail would create both bridges and tunnels, places to hide, and places to dream.

Occasionally a wild trillium or miniature iris was noticed growing in amongst the ferns.  I would collect moss, loose pieces of bark, twigs, and ferns to create nests for the creatures there.  What creatures, I wasn't sure; but I knew there was something present.  They were just out of sight, but I could feel them surrounding me in their song and their dance.

Note:  Since this is a long story, I have broken it into three parts.  I hope you enjoy my truth and fantasy of myself as a young girl.
 

17 comments:

Laurie said...

You have me hooked Marilyn, I really look forward to part two. You have a way with words, I could visualize your world totally, from sights and sounds, to scents. Next part please!!

Marilyn said...

I want to come along. Hope to hear the rest of the story soon.♥♫

Jeanie said...

Oh, Marilyn, I do! And I look forward to the next installments. Your language is very visual -- and sensual, as well. I could feel those cool woods (and on a day like today, no easy task!). Lovely!

Sylvia said...

Oh my, how interesting, I can't wait for the next post. I could see you carefully walking into the woods and looking around for anything that may be lurking there.

koralee said...

Oh my...bring on part 2 my friend! xoxo

Linda P said...

Looking forward to the next part of the experience, Marilyn. You take us along with you with your special way with words.

Steph said...

Beautiful, and it takes me back to my own adventurer little self.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I look forward to hearing the rest. The photo is gorgeous.

Mary said...

Love this, so beautifully written Marilyn.

I too ventured into woods and farmland around my home as a child. I loved learning names of wildflowers, listening to bird songs, and climbing trees (big ones like your beauty!), or picking mushrooms and berries.

Look forward to more of your story.

Hugs - Mary

P.S. We enjoyed a pot of the Stash 'Fancy Golden Tippy Hao Yan' black today - served in the gazebo with a slice of fresh plum cake! Thank you again.

Jeanne said...

Beautiful indeed.
Love all you share.
Love Jeanne

Gayla said...

I'm right there with you, two little girls in the big woods!

relevanttealeaf said...

I enjoyed reading part I, and am looking forward to part II! Your descriptive writing is lovely. I feel like I've been transported to Swain Woods with you!

Tracy said...

What an evocative story, Marilyn! My inner girl-child sings along with this. Looking forward very much to the next installment! :o) ((HUGS))

Cathy said...

I remember going exploring when I was about that age. We lived in the country and there were always mysterious places to check out. Looking forward to the rest of your story, Marilyn.

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Angela McRae said...

I suspect this is an analogy for more than just a trip to the woods! ;)

Adrienne said...

Waiting to read more!
~Adrienne~