A Woodsy Adventure - #XplorationChallenge #haibun #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! This week's Reena's Xploration Challenge invites us to write a creative nonfiction piece. Nonfiction focuses on a true story while the creative brings in literary or narrative. So, I've decided to write a haibun which consists of a paragraph of prose and a haiku.

(image created with Microsoft Copilot)

A Woodsy Adventure

When I was a young girl, my family lived in Mississippi. Our home had a creek behind it and the woods in front of it. On the other side of the creek was a field of crops that we could access by scooting ourselves over a pipe. My sister and I explored these areas often with neighborhood friends, never straying too far. One day, my parents took us to the home of one of our friends. They visited with the parents while the four of us went out to play. We decided to explore the forest in their neighborhood since we had never been there before. Unfortunately, we became disoriented and traveled further into the forest. As the sun began to set, we all began to panic. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we saw a home. An old man with a red pickup truck offered to drive us back home. We all rode in the bed of the truck and were grateful to finally get out of the forest. 

fairies and spirits

guardians of the forest

provide protection

I wrote a fictional short story loosely related to this adventure. I've included the link below in case you are interested in reading it.

Escaping the Woods: A Short Story

When ten-year old Isabella's family moves to Mississippi in 1982, she is not thrilled about leaving her home in Miami. Her parents introduce her to their new friend's daughter, Janine, and insist Isabella play with her. Reluctantly, she follows Janine to a nearby park. When Janine suggests they explore the woods, Isabella gives in despite her fears. One wrong turn leaves them deep in the forest with no way of knowing how to get out. As the sun begins to set, Isabella and Janine search for help, but will their search lead to their rescue, or will they find themselves in even more danger?

Author's Note: This short story is a bit over 4500 words. After the story, you will find the first chapter of a free, full-length novel that you can enjoy!

Would you like to write a creative nonfiction piece? Join us here.