(Inspired by a short story by Saki.)

Jack Maxwell was unwell

Doctors said rest he must take to dispel

After-effects of his heavy and strenuous work

And to recoup his mind which sometimes goes berserk

His wife suggested, in the nearby mountain, a quiet place

A village in which, years ago, she had found solace

There he was to meet Anjelica Kaufmann

Who had a lovely house and was also a village alderman 

Off went Jack reluctantly one fine summer day

He caught the early morning coach on  a Sunday

Which would quickly take him up to the mountain

Within an hour and a half, to be certain

From the stop Jack walked up to the farm-house quite near

On the way, the trees were swaying gently in the cool atmosphere

The squirrels were chasing each other, very skilled

Flirting from one tree to the other with joy unlimited

The rabbits jumped vigorously and ran helter skelter

As if playing games or searching for a shelter

All this would have soothed any human being

But Jack thought only of his  problems, not good for his well-being

In this chilly breeze, he thought, he might catch a cold 

Maybe this weather in the mountains 

would bring him misery untold

What if the food filled him with  abhorrence?

Would his demeanor suit the Kaufmanns’ preference?

Soon he reached the farm-house, to all others so beautiful

At the door, a girl of seventeen met him- so dutiful

Jack slowly explained reason for his visit  

An appointment to meet Angelika, he said- being explicit

The girl, Anna, told him to take a seat.

“Angelika, my aunt, has gone to fetch groceries down the street

Will be back from her shopping soon

Can I offer you tea or coffee, sugar- one spoon?”

Tea was served and then home-made cookies more

As there was a draft of cold air coming from the open door

Said Jack, “Why is that door open dear? It is quite cold out here!

Why don’t you keep it closed so this chill will disappear?”

“Jack, it is a story so very tragic” said Anna, her face in dismay

“Three years ago, Mr Kaufmann, his brother, son and dog went away

Left for the woods through this door for their hunting expedition

They drowned in the moor, never returned, that’s the position!

“Angelica still believes that they will come back

She keeps the door open on this day every year, Jack

Convinced they will walk in through it – that’s her stand

She is adamant they have not vanished forever in the marshy land”

Turned ashen Jack’s face on hearing this narrative

How can Angelica believe in a story so presumptive ?

It gave him the creeps; why did he come to this spooky place? 

His wife shouldn’t have forced him, it was such a disgrace !

Soon there was a noise at the other door

In walked Angelica and kept the grocery bag on the floor

She smiled at Jack whom she was expecting to appear

“Anna has been taking care of you, Jack dear?”

“She is a talkative girl, she is sometimes a bit naughty too

“Be seated, for lunch I will make arrangements for you

My husband, his brother and my son will be arriving any minute

As you must be starving, we will start eating, they will follow suit

On hearing this Jack’s face turned ghastly

His hands started trembling very badly

He remained absent-minded throughout the lunch

On the open door, his mind got transfixed, his body in a hunch

Lunch over, Jack on the sofa was   relaxing

To cool down his distressed mind – for him quite taxing

Then he heard Angelica excitedly proclaim:

“There comes the hunting party – back from their game!

And sure enough, Mr Kaufmann and his party

Walked through the open door, clothes all dirty but faces looking hearty

For Jack, this was the last straw by far

He grabbed his bag and escaped from the back door, so bizzare!

With lightning speed he was away and out of sight

Mr Kaufmann exclaimed, “Someone please throw light

“Who was that fellow who bolted from our house, so agile?”

“That was Jack, who dislikes dogs!” said Anna, hiding her smile!