hiding neath the red oak tree
silently lying, very still
they have never, ever found me
and I know, they never will
*
olly olly oxen free
they scream, hands cupped, with all their might
their call out is a guarantee
that I’m the last one found tonight
*
but until their eyes are on me
until they’ve bent to touch my skin
I whistle out a repartee
that I am never giving in
*
what fun comes with surrender
what’s the point of getting lost
when faced with a true contender
I protest, with both arms crossed
*
camouflaged in shifting shadows
my hands snugly over my eyes
until my will has decomposed
I can’t, I won’t — materialize
*
the art of game, of being lost
blending in and being quiet
searching until complete exhaust
to some is unrequited
*
to me, it is exhilarating
sends goosebumps up and down my spine
give up or hide, there’s no debating
I’ll be hiding all the time
*
to quit and trust a wordy promise
when win or lose is what’s at stake
I feel a bit like doubting Thomas
trusting makes my stomach ache
*
their voices faint, it’s getting darker
I almost go, but hesitate
this tree, my rock, my one safe harbor
I nestle in and show restraint
*
the wind begins to howl around me
wildly it whispers in my ear
my loving faithful red oak tree
begins to warn, trouble is near
*
the birds take flight, their wings a flutter
I close my eyes with all my might
the sky, with rain, begins to sputter
it is a dark and stormy night
*
a whisper “who” is drawing nearer
the voice, not one, I recognize
the yellow eyes are getting clearer
my hiding place is compromised
*
goosebumps begin to dot my body
these bumps crawl underneath my skin
the damp, cold ground is smelling soddy
I fear this night will do me in
*
why did I ignore the call, surrender?
who will save me from this fate
will I be forgotten, lost forever
will morning’s sun arrive too late
*
given the chance, I’d take the offer
at home, a winner , tucked in my bed
but lost I’ll be, hide and seeks martyr
under this red oak, I rest my head
