Leshy (The Forest Dweller)

Ravens croon with
ravenous laughter,
trees cackling
dementedly, boughs
snap under heavy
footstep;

evening has squandered
its last breath

as the beast trudges
over the
lichenous carpet
of the woods,

an injured, lame and
panting wolf
draped over his naked
shoulders -

the wretched canine,
blood curdling in its mouth
whimpers with each stomp.

In the mossy undergrowth
sits a poor, gaunt hunter,
arrow drawn, towards the
looming beast - stomach
murmuring, paining hunger,
trembling hands - waiting for
the shot

-

before the man lets loose
his grip, the Leshy plucks
a twig from his beard,
and lays down the wolf
upon the ground,

snaps its neck,
and turns towards the
hunter

with a single grunt,
a slow, knowing nod,
he turns and lumbers
back towards the
woodland

a boon for the sick
and hungry hunter,
whose children will
eat tonight.

-

The Leshy trudges
through the undergrowth,
a robin perched,
chattering wildly upon
his head.

—

Inspired by Leshy, an imposing humanoid guardian of the woodland, who was often seen as a fairy rather than a monster, able to take many different forms. He was mischievous, but a protector of the poor, and animals alike, usually followed by woodland creatures like deer and wolves.