The Dark Forest

The Dark Forest

With a rucksack full of presents I set off to see my Gran
Never thinking of the road that lay ahead.
Wandered down the track; then bolted, I ran and ran and ran,
As a voice hissed "you'll be found tomorrow; dead!"

I stopped inside a clearing, clutching tight my ragged coat
And realised that I was lost and cold.
Before I could move on, a monstrous weasel grabbed my throat,
Hissing "When will men prize life instead of gold?"

Between the trees a wispy mist around the clearing grew,
I pulled my coat from weasel's grasp and ran
I had to get to Grandma's house whatever Fate might do
And Fate seemed to have a very nasty plan

The weasel laughed as we could see a cottage in the woods,
And at the front door waving was my Gran.
I could sense that something wasn't really absolutely right
As the firelight glinted on her yellow fangs.

Woody the jolly woodsman's axe was always razor - sharp,
He had learned to cut down trees in Martinique.
A mighty swing of Axe and wolf now plays a heavenly Harp,
Woody said, "Red Riding Hood ! that's twice this week!"

I rescued Gran from bedroom cupboard where she'd been tied up
We both thanked Woody for his brave display.
He winked at me, gave Gran a kiss and emptied his tea cup,
Gran and he get married later on today.