Without Warning Poem by Carole Cookie Arnold

Entering a moss covered waterfall cavern
This journey of mine began without warning
Pungent musty smell likened to an old tavern
Algae on the rocks weeped as if in mourning

Most would have turned around heading back
Yet I was compelled to forge on ahead
Soon a tiny light stopped me in my tracks
Crawling thru a crevice into a flower bed

Thinking I walked in circles feeling lost
I stood shocked in disbelief as I scanned
My darting eyes couldn't absorb the cost
On which my journey was richly planned

Fields of blue orchids with golden stems
Who will believe this story I have to tell
Walking forever there seems to be no end
Breathless visions of beauty and then I fell

Down into the dark endless old mine
Carried upon a strong burst of warm air
Thinking all is over just a matter of time
Landed on my feet safe without a care

Torch lit tunnels sparkled with gold dust
Embedded with precious ores and metals
Around then golden stems fed their trust
Strange deposits seep where stems settle

Nuclear waste was thrown here years ago
Orchids adapted over time growing blue
Without human care with strength in tow
This blue orchid journey was penned for you.

2006 Carole Cookie Arnold