The Dark Forest

Deeper and deeper I ventured into the forest. The air seemed to close around me as I followed the old trail. Not more than a footpath now, this was once a main road to the mountains. As time had passed, it had become overgrown with brush and weeds. And trees! Odd trees at that. Seemingly with their own eyes, they stared at me as I passed. The night darkened. A mist wound and spread it's tendrils around the roots of the trees. The moon was now high in the sky and illuminated the path. The trees pressed in closer to the path the further I went into the forest. "They have eyes!?" Yes, I see them clearly now. The atmosphere tightened around me. I turned and looked but, the path behind me disappeared into the gloom only a few steps away. There is no turning back now. Do I hear hushed whispers from the trees? A low melodic sound is drifting from the trees. I can vaguely hear them.What are they saying? I am no longer afraid. However, my survival will depend on my wits. I must try to understand them. What are they saying? The trees were now close to the path. I could almost touch them. I stopped in my tracks and stood silently. The trees also stopped. A heavy air of menace closed around me. The language of the trees sounded somehow familiar to me. What is it? I will only get one chance at this. I must think. The low chorus of the trees started up again. It was a rhythmic chant. I have heard this before but where? The trees began to advance and close around me again. There were only seconds now. The closer they got to me. The louder their voices became louder. It was still barely a whisper, but I could make out the words. I could hear...

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down
Hickory, dickory, dock



The trees chanted this in a low voice. Closer and closer they came. I heard them say:

Hickory, dickory, dock
It's not the clock we want
Nor the mouse we hunt
It's you we want!
Hickory, dickory, dock, Hmm!

Hickory, dickory, dock
It's our forest you see
Not a place for you to be
Hickory, dickory, dock, Hmm!