What is in your woods?

I heard this topic from some author, I think it was Maurice Sendak but it makes no never mind. The thought was about the symbolization of “the woods” in folklore.

Since childhood, we’ve been told the woods are filled with mystery and possible danger. Maybe the woods are filled with big bad wolves or gingerbread houses or a possible teddy bear picnic.

But what are these woods and why are we told to avoid the fear inside?

Woods appear to be the unknown. A place of wonder with mysterious sounds and movement, dark shadows and unseen creatures with glowing eyes.

And just like telling a child not to touch the stove, only when the heat if felt will the child understand the concept.

Thus true when the woods are view from afar, they only appear as a group of trees. Textures of barks and variety of greenery living on a carpet of leftovers, but at night the rustle of leaves, the sway of the branches invent all sorts of wonders in the mind. This is the same feeling of the monsters living under the bed when the lights go out.

Yet the draw into the woods is the challenge. The adventure to explore the unknown is irresistible.

So many novels have been written about venturing into the unknown to resolve the curiosity and conquer the fear. Going into the woods is a rite of passage.

To some it may be overcoming the fear of flying or seeking that first kiss or perhaps buying some clothing that you know your parents won’t accept. The woods may be ventured into when first married or the birth of children or creating a new home in a new city. The woods could be as simple as creating a new meal for guest or as complicated of persuading someone to partake in physical indulgence.

So what is in "your" woods?

Me? I live in the woods. I’m the boogie man.