A poem by Rashid Hamza, 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 Ms 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 wellbeing

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 Ms Angelika, he said- being explicit

The girl, Anna, told him to take a seat.
“Ms 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!

“Ms 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 Ms 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 Ms 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 Ms 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!