Traveller, take care (Narrative fantasy poem)

Traveller, take care

try some other road instead;

traveller beware,

for grave danger lies ahead;

a horrid monsters lair

and the monsters not been fed.

Many men have dared

to take this road but all are –

 

Look! There on the ground!

What’s that sparkling thing you’ve found?

A pretty, priceless gem

and, over there, two more of them.

 

Perhaps you’ll find lots more

but do you really dare explore

any further? Don’t forget

that the beast may get you yet.

 

So, you’ve chosen to go on

but it’s a fools quest you’re upon;

the horrid monster lies in wait;

turn back before it’s too late.

 

Can’t you hear that growling sound?

That is the beast prowling around.

Please turn back now, I implore you.

Who knows what terror lies before you.

 

Oh, what luck! A golden sword

and silver shield; the right reward

for the great courage you have showed,

travelling further down this road.

 

But turn back please, I beg.

They could cost you an arm and leg.

If you’re caught by that fearsome beast,

he’ll make, of you, a monsters feast.

 

Please, oh please, it’s your last chance,

if, with death, you don’t wish to dance.

Turn back, please. Take not a step more

or you’ll be- dear me, what’s that roar?!

 

Oh no! Oh no! The monster comes;

his heavy tread like pounding drums;

long are his claws; sharp are his teeth;

his face, ugly beyond belief.

Oh, quick! Raise up your sword and fight

before its dreaded jaws can bite.

It’s heart! Aim for its heart! Don’t fail

or you won’t live to tell this tale.

 

Huzzah! Oh see what you have done;

the beast is dead; the battle won

and look, its cave and, glittering

within, the fortune of a king.