"Predated Hunter" poem by Zane Ornduff

Fog lingers in the dense forest of Roan Mountain. Appalachian folklore and Cherokee legends speak of mysterious creatures that live in these forests, hunting and luring humans to their deaths. Photo credit: Selah Greer

Predated Hunter

By Zane Ornduff

Cracking and crunching, I sneak through these trees.

Hunting the beast that has forsaken me.

Stalling, waiting, I stalk the forestry.

Hunting the mortal that seeks to kill me.

I duck and crouch, keeping watchful eyes out.

There's no telling if the monsters about.

I drool and pant, watching their fearful doubt.

There's no escaping while I'm on my scout.

I feel it's eyes, and I hear it growling.

I know it's watching, I know its prowling.

Tired of wait, I shatter his reverie.

This hunter will be no more than memory.

The savage gives chase, facing my enemy.

I turn to run, seeking longevity.

Hunting, chasing, this hunt feels so right.

Crawling, running, throughout the pitch-black night.

Surviving, enduring, praying for light.

My legs burning, I run with all my might.