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LEGEND of THE FALL (chapter 2 and 3 )

Mid summer bakes the crispy pines
and stills the deep dark hardwood hollows
as deer quickly acrue their tines.
Evenings are filled by darting swallows.

Here where The South came to its end,
where life moves at a slower pace,
all of the locals still pretend
that Abbeville holds naught but grace.

They act as if he is not there.
They shrug off those gone missing in the fall.
It's almost as if they don't care.
Until the autumn's leaves begin to fall.

But for now his sleep is sound
in one of many old gold mines
whose entrance is hidden, almost bound
by rustling dense green kudzu vines.

For in this last month of deep heat
stirring begins in that hidden keep.
The wicked heart increases beat
and restlessness disturbs his sleep.

For autumn will be coming soon,
then the month of falling leaves.
And in that cooling month's full moon
that heart will wake and joints unfreeze.

Who knows who will disappear.
Who dares discard the old wive's tale.
Who will die in sudden fear.
As death once more stalks forest's trail?
-----------------------------
Full moon in the month of falling leaves
only on odd numbered years
outside the town of Abbeville
dwells reason for the locals' fears.

A mine near a remote murky bog
supports a listing old head stone
where fallen foliage fails to rest.
A place where none dare go alone.

What manner of thing lies within?
(legend states that it's not human)
a demon's seed seeped in sin
born to this world by an insane woman.

Price of its birth was mother's death,
the collecting took four full days
of agony, infection, mother's last breath;
none now know where her lone grave lays.

The horrible , disgusting spawn
abandoned in the forest's deep
raised by foxes, shunning dawn.
A creature most fear in their sleep.

When at last, it came of age
it haunted the local hoary hollows
seeking vengeance, slaking its rage
upon anyone who follows.

All of this long in the past
but yet the legend lingers
despite all prayers or spells cast,
sacrifices and thrice-crossed fingers.

Modern folks all laugh and grin
but their levity deceives
for still none go to these deep woods
in the month of falling leaves

...................................

Returns the month of falling leaves
which sets an ancient pulse to beat
as cool makes an evil heart unseize
while hidden in its dark retreat.

And my mind wakes slowly too
then slowly sifts old memories
not planning yet what I might do
during months of cold and freeze.

Thus I drift for a few weeks
not heeding leaves as they float down.
Instead I listen as each joint creaks
not far outside Abbeville town.

Then slowly I open crusted eyes
while flexing fingers on taloned hand
and as the sun sinks in cool skies
stiffly, moaning, I finally stand.

Toward the abandoned mine's door I creep
or toward where the old door used to be,
and haltingly I leave my keep
which through summer's sleeping embraced me.

My smile exposes teeth too sharp and long
and I yell to greet the rising moon
which silences far coyotes' song.
The time of fear is coming soon.

A few more nights and warm wet meals
squirrel,rabbits, a yearling deer
which die with barks, near screams and squeals
all strengthen me, my time is near.

Then comes the time of Halloween
when children run in masked false fear
unaware it's come my time to glean.
Unaware a real monster is near.

The first Real hunt at last begins
as sun deserts the tops of trees.
Some hunter won't meet with his friends,
my claws the last thing that he sees.

So leave bare woods before night fall
leave before all things turn still
leave ere you hear my hungry call
in the forests outside Abbeville.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Last few words: 
I've been slowly adding chapters to this for years. The beginning is this year's addition
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

At the Hortons old homestead. I was affraid to go in the woods at night. But it was because I heard too many black panther scream at night there. The nearest nieghbor maybe a mile away. The graves of my Great Grandfather and his daughter. That legend has. He killed her for getting pregnant out of wedlock. The land used to be an Indian village. So there were also Indain graves. Take Care. huey

From the sound of it You are the one who needs to be careful lol............stan

author comment

Sorry to disappoint, but the alliteration was accidental ( or at least subconcious ) Good of you to drop in and point it out......scribbler

author comment

As hairless head swiftly swells directly due to lengthy lauds I overwhelmingly offer obtuse thanks to you. Did that seem forced ? lol...............stan

author comment

My daughters favorite time is Halloween. Can't wait till she returns from abroad and have her read this one! How fun!

Lori

My intent is to expand this each year around Halloween. I am glad you liked this and hope your daughter does also....................stan

author comment

my red wagon still awaits your call
ere the no really intended fall

you may have noticed my scarcity lately which is why I've had so little time to either post or comment. but never fear I'll get your little red wagon piled onto my red wagon full of to dos lol.......stan

author comment

is billion miles long
and u say
lol lol lol and lol it off
where did u get the time stan
RFLOL

is a combination of 3 poems written over a 5 year period. Indeed it is my intent to add a "chapter" per year or so for at least the next 3-4 years

author comment

best stans

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