Ballad of Cursed Anna

As I was walking homeward in the early morning light
Leaving far behind the prison where I’d spent the night
With no idea of what I’d done or why they’d punished me
But feeling nonetheless relieved and grateful to be free.
My path led to a woodland far behind a rusted gate
I knew it was a short cut if I kept my walking straight
But then like out of nowhere this old wizened man appeared
Holding high his one hand while the other stroked his beard
Beware the cursed Anna’s stare, this warning did he bring
For no-one makes it through this wood, coming out as they went in
But a change is what I’m looking for I told the sad old man
And bidding him a last farewell into the wood I ran
Soon I came to a river where I stopped to bathe my feet
And that was when I smelt her perfume delicate and sweet
I stood up and turned around, and there in front of me
Stood a beautiful woman who simply stared at me
And then I knew it was all true what the old man had advised
“You must be Anna” I said, and I looked into her eyes
Beware the cursed Anna’s stare, this warning did he bring
For no-one makes it through this wood, coming out as they went in
Then we came together in a passionate embrace,
I felt my body weaken and my heart begin to race
And when at last the kissing stopped I saw to my alarm
This woman now had changed into a young girl in my arms.
I heard her childish laughter saw her vanish through the trees
I turned back to the river my reflection for to see
And there inside the water I saw exactly as I’d feared
To my horror I’d turned into an old man with a beard.
Beware the cursed Anna’s stare, this warning did he bring
For no-one makes it through this wood, coming out as they went in
For seven long years I’ve waited by this gate wishing I could die
But that can only happen if some other young man comes by
First I know I must warn him to go some other way,
But hope that like most men of that age he won’t believe what old men say
To beware the cursed Anna’s stare, this warning do I bring
For no-one makes it through this wood, coming out as they went in