Written for Crispina’s Crimson’s Creative
Challenge #057. I chose pic #1.
Here’s where the image took me.
In the heart of the Dark Woods Forest stood an old tree known as Wraithwood. Its twisted branches reached out like gnarled claws, casting a shadow of fear over the surrounding trees. Wraithwood was said to be cursed, its roots tapping into the very being of the forest, draining life from its inhabitants. The whispers of neighboring trees echoed through the night, warning of Wraithwood’s malevolent presence. Forest dwellers who dared to venture near felt a chill to their core, as if the tree itself watched and waited, ready to strike. The other trees trembled in fear, knowing they were at the mercy of Wraithwood.
NAR©2025
This is “A Forest” by The Cure
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶 and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I looks very skeletal, I’d give it a wide berth!
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You’re a wise man, dear Keith!
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So spooky! I’ve seen trees like that that make me wonder. Very well written!
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They certainly can be impressive and rather formidable. Thanks very much, Brenda.
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Scary tale
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Thanks, Sadje! I’m glad you think so.
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You’re very welcome
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Great job! It sort of looks like Wraithwood is in jail for the time being – I hope!
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LOL! Great observation, D!
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This would make a wonderful basis for a book. Nicely done.
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Thanks, Jodi. Glad you enjoyed it.
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I love your take on this. When I took the photo I wasn’t aware of how those trees in the foreground formed like a cage around that characterful beech. But it does. And that sparks our imagination. Nice one!
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Thanks, Crispina! Another friend made that same observation. It may be just my eye but I think it became a bit more obvious when I adjusted the color. That’s a fabulous old tree!
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Beautifully woven and so scary, …I’m sure I can actually see a face in that scary, malevolent looking tree, …its roots searching for purchase as it tries to walk the forest floor, … I don’t think I’ll sleep tonight, Nancy, … but I think I can outrun it, … have a great weekend, nightmare free, …💙
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Your comments are fabulous, Penn. You might want to think about writing a poem; I especially liked your idea about the tree walking the forest floor. Pull the blanket up tight tonight, Penn. Thanks very much!
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I’ll have to think, Nancy, …it’s finding that crucial opening line, then following through, … much like the tree! 😉 Blanket definitely pulled up tight,…💙
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That’s a wonderfully evocative description! The imagery of the “twisted branches… like gnarled claws” and the idea of its roots “draining life” really bring Wraithwood to chilling life. You’ve created a truly malevolent and atmospheric presence that dominates the forest.
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Thanks for your very gracious comments, Srikanth. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed my story.
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A tree with intent. My favourite Cure song
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That tree means business and the Cure is kicking some serious ass. Thanks very much, Brian!
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