Dark Creek of Loneliness
The protagonist says, "I crashed through a creek and climbed up a steep bank by clutching tree roots." This imagery depicts Moon's physical journey through the wilderness as he desperately tries to escape the loneliness he feels. Moon is running away from the hide pile where he had been hiding and grieving after his father's death. He wants to escape the overwhelming emotions and the haunting memories that surround him. The physical obstacles he encounters symbolize the hardships he faces in his quest for a sense of belonging. The imagery emphasizes Moon's resilience as he uses the tree roots to climb up the bank. It also reflects his desperate need to keep moving forward even if it means enduring physical exertion.
Hickory Grove
Moon asserts, “I hadn’t been thinking long when we came up on a hickory tree that had covered the bottom of the ravine with its nuts. As soon as I explained to Hal and Kit what we’d found, we sat in the sand and began breaking the nuts open between rocks.” Moon, Hal, and Kit are on the run escaping from Sanders who is likely chasing them. The discovery of the hickory tree and their subsequent meal provide temporary relief from their exhaustion. They fill up on the nuts and leftover cattail roots while leaning back against the wall of kudzu and listening to the rustle of hickory leaves. This imagery displays a moment of respite and sustenance for the boys during their journey. The description of them enjoying the food highlights their ability to find nourishment in their natural surroundings.
Makeshift Home
The protagonist mentions the importance of building between two hills with a creek at the bottom for shelter from wind and rain. Moon states, “After we set our blankets and jackets out to dry, I moved the wall supports in closer since there would only be the two of us. Then we added another layer of magnolia branches and collected marsh grass to dry in the sun and then spread across the floor later.” This imagery highlights the construction and design of their makeshift shelter in the wilderness. The depiction of adding layers emphasizes their attention to detail in creating a functional living space. Moon—with his knowledge and experience of living in the forest with his father—takes the responsibility of providing shelter for himself and his friends. The imagery indicates ingenuity and adaptability.
The Silent Forest
Moon describes the forest's response to his predicament and his uncertain thoughts about Sanders. He portrays the forest as unresponsive and the atmosphere as still and stagnant. He asserts, "The sounds of the animals and the light patterns and the breezes carrying smell told me what it knew. That day, though, it seemed the forest had forgotten about me." Moon feels disconnected from the forest as if it no longer provides the guidance he has come to rely on. He is being held captive by Sanders who treats him harshly and leashes him with a dog collar. They are traversing through the forest following an orange flagging tape trail. Moon's thoughts alternate between contemplating escape and imagining the worst-case scenario with Sanders. The imagery of the unresponsive forest underscores Moon's growing desperation and vulnerability.
