Camping on moorland just needed a break

alone with his tent and nature

or that was how it was planned to much on

falling out with partner

solitude was what had always kept him sane

this was how he wanted to remain!


Fresh air and a warm starry night it was good

alone without argument

never able to do the right thing he pondered

sipping his hot coffee

in his own world when he first heard a cry

like an injured animal close by!


Had a walk around his camp but saw nothing

the view was magnificent

sheep and ponies grazed some distance away

it was then nerves came into play

realising the isolation until now had not cared

his very well-being bared!


On the grassy hillside no other human near

close by was swampy ground

saw a walker heading up to his high position

surprised as there was no path

through the water-logged low ground below

seemed to be moving slow!


Looking forward for a chat just sat and waited

then were lost from his view

flustered got up the person he tried to locate

but they had simply gone

knew another night would have to spend here

that was certainly clear!


Began to miss the quarrels he had left to avoid

as the temperature dropped

settling in his tent for one more lonely night

found it hard to relax

odd noises outside made him shiver with dismay

felt he had become the prey!


On the other side of the thin material breathing

well thought it could be

shuffling as if somebody was slowly approaching

almost afraid to take a breath

summoned up the courage to take a quick peek

an explanation to seek!


Cautiously took a look a shape he could just see

red eyes stared back at him

a mist swirled upon the ground what was this

a high-pitched shriek

as the thing charged this was the end he thought

next memory woke distraught!


The tent had gone laid on top of his sleeping bag

at his feet saw hoof marks

in the soft grass here still completely alone

gathered his belongings

just left as quickly as he could physically walk

with other people needed to talk!


A few days later his body was found on a trail path

trampled as if by a hoofed animal

there were no clues to what had actually happened

his wife informed by wallet contents

another death on this land they could not explain

animals were not allowed on the terrain!


The Foureyed Poet.









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