Finding My Way Out

Winner and New Prompt for July 9. 2026

40 Line Poem

Strolling down the trail,
my eyes were focused on a light.
I believe I saw a whale. Suddenly,
everything got very bright.
My wandering eyes caught a vision.
A vision of pure, endless glory.
Finding myself immersed in a collision,
I felt ready to tell my story.
Sweet dreams of total innocence,
told me an adventure was about to
commence.

Taken by surprise, I was TRANSPORTED
INSIDE A VIDEO GAME. I began to
realize that I was being held captive.
Where am I? I wasn't being adaptive
to this kind of environment. I had
only one requirement. How do I get
myself out of here? I must not fear.
I can do this. I will survive by
getting out of here alive. I will
remain calm, cool, and relaxed.

I am in a maze; I don't see
a way out. I am in a daze. Help! I
am being watched, observed, and
analyzed. I notice them
coming from everywhere. How can
I escape? The objects around
me are circling all over the
place. Where can I hide?
I can't figure this out. I want
to scream and shout. I can't.

I believe I have a plan. I need
to scan this place for anything
I can get a hold of. Wait! I think
I see something inside this room.
I have to believe in myself. I
need to find an opening. I have
found a friend who will help me.
She beamed me up to the world
outside. They were SPACE INVADERS!

Written by Anna Marie Carlson
Preferred Author
Wednesday, July 8, 2026