The Shortcut

I thought I knew a shortcut, a quick way through the wood But I fear I missed a turning, for I knew not where I stood. Unfamiliar and oppressive, which way should I go Trees I'd never seen before, tracks I didn't know. It was late in the afternoon, the light was getting dim I was lost and frightened, panic was setting in. Then I heard a barking dog, I thought maybe a farm If I head in it's direction then I should be safe from harm. I found myself before a wall, It had a mighty gate. I loudly rapped upon it, it was dark and getting late. The gate it slowly opened, and there a figure stood. I cried "thank God I found you,I was lost deep in the wood." "Then I heard your dog, as he barked and barked again" He bade me in to meet his hound, saying "Cerberus was it's name." Oh the relief I felt, my anxiety it now eased Glad to have his company, I was feeling rather pleased. He beckoned so I followed, down a darkened track I could hear the creaking gate as it closed behind my back. I was feeling nervous now, for the figure hardly spoke I felt it getting warmer, there was the acrid smell of smoke. We headed to an entrance, from whence came an orange glow. I thought, ah that's why it's so warm, there's a fire on the go. I said, "Sir I'd like to thank you, it was kind to take me in" He said, "what is this you speak of, you're here to answer for your sins" "Do you not see the flames, can you not smell the smoke, You're about to enter Hades," laughing as he spoke. "No I cried I was lost, this was not my fate" He said, "your soul belonged to me, once you knocked upon my gate" He said, "But let us wager, let us have a bet You set off running, then I'll release my pet. 'If you outrun Cerberus, my three headed hound He will not cross the gate, for he guards the underground. Off I set running, my feet were but a blur I had to beat this hellhound, this slavering demonic cur. I reached the gate, I staggered through, then fell upon the ground I turned, the gate was closing, there stood the baying hound. Then I saw the signpost showing me the way, I heard the devil laughing, he'd had his fun today..