The moon rose slowly over the top of the trees
That brought a stillness to the campsite
Crickets playing a song only they knew
As fireflies danced in the nearby underbrush

Occasionally a small breeze flowed over the fire
Bring the fresh smells of the surrounding forest
A distant flow of the stream could be heard nearby
While bats flew overhead looking for food

This was the first camping trip of the year
And the embers from the fire cast shadows
The food was hung high in the trees
To deter animals from foraging the pantry

It was time to throw another log on the fire
With a bucket of water standing by for safety
The next morning was planned for fishing
An early bedtime would ensure enough rest

As sleep approached a noise was heard nearby
And a rustling in the bushes growing closer
Something brushed against the one tent side
And for an instant, a large shadow passed

Early the next morning fear increased again
With the campsite items scattered all around
The food and rope were missing from the tree
But yet no tracks could be found anywhere

What could have been at my remote camping area
Leaving no visible signs of what it was
Could it all have been just a dream
Whatever it was this trip was now over

This was years ago of the strange encounter
And I have never returned to that spot
Others have had the same experience since
But to this day it remains a mystery