Overcoming Fear Of Others
I was raised in a very isolated area.
I rarely saw people, other than family.
I was 21. Strangers caused hysteria.
I knew that it wasn’t very manly.
I was hunting one day far from home.
Just my dog and I. we went West.
I knew that we were all alone.
Then, we ran into a hornet’s nest.
I accidently stirred them up pretty bad.
I was running as fast as I could.
But, the hornets were pretty mad.
They stung me, even under my hood.
I stumbled and fell down a slope.
Knocked myself out against a tree.
I woke up to the smell of smoke.
My eyes were puffy. I could barely see.
A stranger, a girl, held smoke in her hand.
The smoking brand chased the hornets away.
She said “I’ll try to help you all I can.”
“You were stung many times, I must say.”
“Your dog led me to you.”
“I would have never seen you otherwise.”
“Good thing, the hornets still weren’t through.”
“I put salve on your stings. I apologize.”
“But, I know it helps with pain and swelling.”
I was petrified of her. But, she was pretty.
Very kind and gentle. Never yelling.
I finally thanked her. I was feeling giddy.
She asked where was my home?
I told her far to the East.
She said “This area is where I roam.”
“I live about 2 miles South, by the creek.”
I told her we were hunting & went too far.
“Come home with me till you feel better.”
My face went white. You could see my scar.
“What is the matter?” (Did I upset her?)
“I have just never been around people.”
She said “Do you live all alone then?”
“No, with family. That’s all I see though.”
“Are you married, or like other men?”
“just my parents & a brother. So, no.”
“I know what it’s like to live here. It’s hell.
“It is very desolate out here, I fear.”
“We won’t bite. We will treat you well.”
“Just my parents & I. No one else near.”
I tried to stand, but was very shaky.
I decided to take her up on her offer.
She had to pretty much take me.
Without her help, I would have faultered
Her mom fed me and said to wait.
The salve was already helping a bit.
Another hour or so is all it will take.
In a couple hours I was on my way.
I got home just before dark.
There wasn’t a lot I could say.
Except, I went West a lot. I was smart.
———————————R. W. Johnson—–(2016)