The night was dark, the night was black,
And I was off the beaten track,
Deep within the thick, wild woods
For I had wandered from my camp.
The air was filled with hoots and howls
And beating wings, of bats and owls.
Thorns and tangles choked my path.
The pale moon was my only lamp.

My head seemed filled with swirling smoke,
But then the firm earth moved and broke.
I fell into a stone-walled room.
The ceiling closed and became whole.
By the light of torches on the walls,
I saw chairs draped with spangled shawls,
A table with a marble top;
Its plates and bowls and cups were full.

A strange voice spoke from somewhere near,
"I am your friend. Please, do not fear.
"I know my humble home's a mess,
"But have a meal and take a rest."
And so I slept, though not for long,
For I knew that this was wrong.
When I woke I asked if I could leave.
"But you cant go, you are my guest!"

"You must stay here, here, with me!
"It's been so long. I'm so lonely."
So I stayed, and I stay still,
In my new home with walls of stone.
It's not as bad as it first seemed,
Though not the future I once dreamed.
At least my host will never go,
And so I'll never feel alone.