Once upon a midnight dreary, I walked across a wooded clearing
The wind was warm, and I felt a presence
I looked around me, but saw nothing of menace
I got down on my knees and prayed to the heavens
Hoping that no harm would befall me in this wooded place
“It is only me here, alone I pace.”

I stuck to my thoughts, pondering life’s deeper meanings
Then suddenly, a noise arose from the trees
I glanced all around me looking for the source
Perhaps it was the wind or the start of the rain
I yelled out to the darkness, “Who goes there?” but my voice came out hoarse.
Why did I suddenly sense a strong, menacing force?

“One last time I’ll offer you! Reveal yourself or face your doom!”
A rusty orange coat emerged from the shadows
A small, sleek animal trots forward, a fox, I assume.
My worries are settled as I no longer fear
“Little fox, what are you doing here?”
There is no reply, though I continue waiting

Something seemed special about this fox, so I asked again
“If you aren’t going to leave, what are you doing then?”
The silence continues, the fox stands, unmoving.
I grew impatient waiting for his reply
I decide to move on, for fear he was being wry.
He nudges me with his foot, a smile spread on his lips
“That is it! What do you want? I demand to know now!”
Uttered from his lips comes a sound I will never forget.
“Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”

The timeless question that has always been asked
Is finally answered while this small fox’s voice is cast
“Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!"
“But what does it mean?” I ask with a shout
“Is this how you communicate with those all around?”
The only answer I receive comes the same as before
“Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”

I run through the forest looking for escape
If only I had brought my silver duct tape!
I shut my eyes and pray that it ends, but it follows me even through the wooded bend.
All through the forest, from the trees to the river
The sound of his ramblings gives me a shiver.

That was many years ago and still I’m plagued by it
This is the price I pay for asking too much in those woods
If ever you are in a state of rumination, use your wit
When that question comes to mind, put it away for good
For I will never forget the night when I felt that strong wind blow.
“What does the fox say?” You may ask yourself
Take it from me, you don’t want to know!