Memory lane

Eons had passed since her last visit

an irresistible urge compelled her onwards

across the manicured grounds,

Oh so achingly familiar.

Soon, surprisingly soon

it loomed above her…

Moonlight dappled the stone bench resting near the entrance

Wings flapped, accompanied by the eerie hoot of an owl.

She shivered

drew her flimsy coat more tightly around her shoulders.

Apprehension

prickled at the distant sound of a howl

Long and low.

Just the wolfhound, no cause for alarm!

It had never done her any harm.

Make it quick

Don’t dawdle…

That’s the trick!

Second guesses swarmed like wasps

Enter here, save some time?

Skirt the edges?

Cross the tiny bridge covered with jasmine vine?

The moon climbed higher

a silvery reminder

The night was short, the path was long

Steeling herself,

She strode through the yawning opening…

was immediately swallowed by the black…

Inky Black

Suffocating, sucking the air from her lungs

Turn back!

The temptation to run

was overwhelming…

She fought it

was not overcome!

Tonight was the first time she’d come alone.

Determination drove her on…

feeble torchlight pooled around her faltering feet

Winding, weaving, doubling back

along the same track

Or was it another?

The central point

must be near

She couldn’t cave into fear.

Crazy, she may appear

Or might even be…

It seemed her very life

hung on this moment, this destination.

Two more corners

At last!

A small stone statue stood silently in solitude.

Angel wings outstretched protectively.

Her steps stumbled

hands scrabbled to clasp the statue

to steady herself

and her racing heart.

Sweet relief!

Here!

It was here she met her Love, so true.

Memories caressed, consoled her

Peacefulness stirred…

it was time…

Time to make a fresh start.

*

Written for “Maze: Wonderland Poetry Prompt Challenge Day 22”

*

Previously:

#1: Truth or lies

#2: The Door

#3: Creeping fog

#4: Shy rabbit