The Cave
by Lorelei Jones
It wasn't frivolity
that caused her
to edge nearer to the hole.
It wasn't only curiosity
(though goodness knew
she had that in spades).
Perhaps the lure
of the Otherworldly
drew her forth,
caused her to release her hold,
to release her fears
and take that final step.
Limestone caves
were common enough in this region,
cliffs and hillsides
littered with crevices
just right for an inquisitive youth
to go exploring.
After all,
hadn't her own brother
shared stories of his own adventures?
Spoken to her of whispered voices,
sparkling lights,
faint music echoing
against stony walls?
Surely this cave
was as likely as any other,
for it was said
that many linked into one system,
like ant runs belowground.
The opening,
tall enough to admit her body,
beckoned.
And she complied.
She stayed with the light at first,
letting her eyes adjust
to the gloom.
It was cool in there
and somewhat damp.
Hmph.
Nothing very exciting so far,
she thought,
somewhat disappointed
but also relieved.
If Maman knew she was there ...
no, nine was old enough.
Raising her chin
she took three deliberate steps
into the shaded stone mouth.
Pausing, she listened.
Water dripped musically
somewhere farther in
but that was all.
"Allons," she spoke.
"on... on... on..."
called back her cave voice.
There was a patch of light up ahead
and she moved toward it
listening to the scuff of her steps.
Looking up,
she saw a hole in the cave ceiling.
Dancing dust motes
sparkled in the sunlight,
setting her mind
thinking of fairies
(the storybook kind,
not those as we know them,
as we know better).
Enchanted though she was,
nine doesn't keep its attention long.
She peered deeper...
yes, another dim light.
Her sneakered toes
sent pebbles scattering
as she walked
through the dim tunnel.
Not as bright, this one.
Unease was beginning to set in,
little mouse-feet of disquiet
scurrying up her spine.
The water noise,
intriguing or not,
was still further along,
into the dark.
"Mais non," she decided
and turned back
toward the cave mouth
and the light beam
between she and it.
Yes, back to the dancing dust,
only a few yards to the exit.
Feeling much relieved,
her feet brought her to the opening.
She stepped out.
It was gloomy in here,
damp.
It didn't seem nearly as scary
as her brother had said.
Ah, there,
a bit of light ahead -
no need for fear, was there?
Bravely, she walked down the tunnel,
passing shadows,
entering the light
that pierced the dim cave.
Flickers of dust
in the pale beam
made her giggle,
and she blew into the light
setting the specks dancing.
She was feeling a bit tired now,
and a touch peckish.
She turned her back to the cave mouth,
took her steps
to regain the entrance
and stepped outside.
The pale light
didn't penetrate far,
but she figured
if her brother could venture
into these wonderful and mysterious places,
then so could she.
There was a light patch ahead...
