Beware the Woods

Summary

The website content is a cautionary tale warning of an old woman in the woods who transforms at night to prey on children who disregard their parents' advice.

Abstract

The article titled "Beware the Woods" is a chilling narrative that serves as a stern warning to children. It tells the tale of an ancient woman living in the woods who appears benign during the day but transforms into a fearsome creature at night. This entity is described as taking to the skies, hunting those who wander in the dark, and leaving behind eerie tokens such as toys and dolls that once belonged to her victims. The story emphasizes the importance of heeding parental warnings, particularly the caution against venturing into the woods, lest one becomes part of the old woman's sinister collection of "relics." The narrative is part of a daily writing challenge and is inspired by the prompt "Listen."

Opinions

The author conveys a strong warning to children about the dangers of disobeying their parents and wandering into the woods.
There is an underlying theme that the old woman's benign daytime persona is a deceptive facade hiding her true malevolent nature.
The story implies that the old woman has a history of taking children, regardless of their behavior, suggesting a moral lesson about the indiscriminate nature of danger.
The use of vivid imagery, such as the old woman's nocturnal flights and the trail of blood she leaves behind, is intended to instill fear and emphasize the gravity of the warning.
The author suggests that the old woman's screams and the shadows she casts are a prelude to a terrifying experience, reinforcing the need for caution.
By mentioning the daily writing challenge and the inspiration from "Listen," the author acknowledges the creative process and community behind the story.

Beware the Woods

Will you heed the warning?

Listen now children and please hear me well I have a warning of which I must tell

Beware the old woman who lives in the woods The one who seems happy to give out her goods

Her daily appearance is ancient and weathered Yet come the night, she’s ornately feathered

Soaring o’er towers and trees most high On silent wings, she masters the sky

Preying on those who walk in the dark A trail of blood her malevolent mark

Her deafening screams heard in the night Will fill your soul with an unending fright

She will cast shadows all over your walls While leaving you trinkets and toys and dolls

These are the relics of those she’s possessed Babes who discounted their mother’s request

They say she takes children, both naughty and nice So listen up children and take my advice

Beware the woods and the weathered old shrew Lest you become the main stock in her stew

This is my post for the daily May challenge as told by Amy Marley. My inspiration was from day 4 “Listen”. Check out Amy’s latest here:

Beware the Woods

Listen

Day 4 of 31 Days of May SCBWI’s Prompts