Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HANDIWORK (01/14/21)
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TITLE: Traversing the Woods | Previous Challenge Entry
By Holly Westefeld
01/21/21 -
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I search the edges of the path for large rocks, scattering them across the path. A bit further along, I spot adjacent trees, remove twine from my backpack, and tie an end around each tree. In a few hundred yards, I pull out my folding shovel, dig several holes, then scatter leaves and twigs over them.
I watch carefully as I proceed. Sure enough, the entrance to the small branching path has been cleared again, so again I gather vines to obscure it. Not far beyond that point, I extract one of my aroma pods, twist it open, and set it in the hollow of a tree. Next comes the tricky part. I withdraw a drawstring bag, which begins to undulate at my touch. I place it on some low branches, loosen the drawstring, and hurry on.
Looking closely, I locate one of the points where the paths touch, retrieve my machete and gloves, and chop away the pesky briars. I move on a few yards and place a device in another tree. Switching it on, the merry sounds of music and laughter fill the air. Then I string several lengths of fishing line at descending heights along the path.
The next spot where the paths are close requires unpleasantly hard work. Just as the smaller path takes a steep upward turn, I must devise a gently sloping route back to my path. A little way further, I place another aroma pod. Then my most tedious task awaits.
I wish the folding shovel were larger, but it is the tool I was allotted, so I start to dig, tossing the dirt in to the trees. When the pit is at a depth I will just be able to climb out, I position pointed metal spikes across the bottom, vacate it carefully, and smooth the ground around it. I locate long but delicate branches to lay across the top. Before placing the last one, I delve into my backpack once more, withdraw a jar with minuscule holes in the lid, and dump its contents in to the pit. I stretch my aching limbs, smirk down at my trap, then carefully skirt my handiwork to return to the trail head and await the next human to attempt to traverse the woods.
It is a large male. I rub my hands together. These are often loners, intent on trekking on their own.
He barely stumbles on the rocks, but lands hard when his foot catches the twine. Another hiker asks if he needs a hand, but he waves him off. The hiker suggests a walking stick, then moves on.
He struggles to his feet, brushes himself off and moves slowly on. He overtakes another limping traveler, who suggests sticking together in case of emergency, and agrees. Before long, though, they both stumble into my holes. The limping fellow scrambles up and limps off, not giving the other guy a second look.
Oh no! Someone is headed down the path, and he has a flashlight!
He kneels down by the fallen traveler. "Hello, friend. Where are you injured?"
"I twisted my ankle."
The one with the flashlight applies a salve and elastic bandage to the traveler's ankle. "I have an extra backpack with everything you need to traverse these woods safely, a flashlight..."
"Thanks, but the moon has risen. I'll be fine. The last thing I need is a burden to carry."
"Oh, it's not heavy, truly, and there are graver dangers ahead."
"No thanks, but I do appreciate your kindness."
"If you reconsider, there is a narrow path that branches off of this one up ahead. Just look for the soft glow."
"Sure, thanks."
Phew, that was close. He proceeds on his own. He's starting to limp and breathe heavily as he nears the path I had obscured, but much to my dismay, there is a dim yet visible glow from that direction. I quickly don my camouflage cloak and step onto the path. He startles at my appearance. "Hello. Doesn't that fish smell good?"
He sniffs. "Nope, I think I smell a trap."
He turns away and pushes through the veil of vines.
It's not easy to compete with the handiwork of light!
*****
Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 1:4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Psalms 119:104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
NIV
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But this is very descriptive, and I'm glad to sense how the malice is frustrated at the end.