Exploration Poem by Mary Champion

Crashing off the highway to nowhere,
disregarding the maps and the GPS,
I was soon lost in the wilderness.
The merciless sun beat down
and drove me to seek some cooling shade.
A dark haven in the cliff drew my attention
ensnaring my will.

The beat of ancient drums
echoed in my heart
arousing an urge I could not resist
as I entered the caves of unknowing.
The stone walls were covered with ancient carvings -
strange animals - long extinct,
mysterious, but oddly familiar symbols
decorated the margins.

The ghostly ambience disturbed my equilibrium
as I was plunged into the forgotten depths of my soul.
Curiosity, stronger than fear of the unknown,
drew me deeper into the cave -
deeper into the darkness.

The drums beat louder,
ever louder,
drowning out everything but the silent Voice in my head
urging me onwards,
luring me with promises I never understood.

It was years later I realised
I had been betrayed by my own confusion
and not by the duplicity of the ambient power
as It misguided me towards the blinding light.