A Walk in the Cave

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it was summer and we were at a beautiful state park with a cave

inside the cave it was cool and dark, and water covered our feet and drops of it
fell on our heads as we walked deeper inside – I held onto your belt loop

the ground was slippery, the others around us shined flashlights and a little boy
was afraid, his father’s soothing words echoed, some teenagers ran ahead, then we saw
sunlight and knew we had made it through – relieved laughter bubbled

photos by Lisa Paul

Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.

Written in response to Wea’ve Written Weekly, hosted by Nolcha

Nolcha’s prompt: Cherita

Cherita is the Malay word for story or tale.

A traditional cherita unfolds in three verses, each growing in length:

  • Verse 1: one line
  • Verse 2: two lines
  • Verse 3: three lines

You’re also welcome to rearrange the order of the verses. Any of these patterns work:

  • 1–3–2
  • 2–1–3
  • 2–3–1
  • 3–1–2
  • 3–2–1

Your challenge: Write a cherita inspired by one, two, or all of the following themes:

  • Cave
  • Special delivery
  • Missing road sign

Let the structure guide the story—and see where it takes you.

W3 Prompt #194: Wea’ve Written Weekly
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Published by lisaapaul

I’m a paralegal, a widow, mother and grandmother.

Published

23 thoughts on “A Walk in the Cave”

  8. Thank you for your cherita and pictures, Lisa! I felt as if I were right there with you. And that’s as much cave exploring as I ever want to do!

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