Hiker's Untold Tale

hikers glee to see nature
at its very best scenery
serene and tranquil the jungle
except for calls of birds

he wandered deeply delighted
when he saw a cottage in the meadow
so beautifully quaint he gasped
with admiration of its picturesque

flowers surrounded the cottage
leafy plants so colourful
he knocked at the door
and a voice answered

"come in my dear and stay for a while
come in, join me as I'm just having tea
do come in, young man I like your style
but can you tell me the month and year'

He was surprised but answered her
"the year is July of twenty twenty-four
I don't know the minutes by the hour
but I am sure its half-past four"

he looked down at a jolly old woman
so tubby she looked like a teapot
her eyes sparkling  in welcome
he smiled smelling tea and crumpets

"don't stand outside  tea is getting cold
my kitchen is warm and there is bread
nice and tasty with a little marmalade
although I'd have loved a little lard"

"I don't mind to stay a while
I must say I am a tad weary
climbing and hiking many trails
indeed I would like a cup of tea"

he followed her inside
"sit down dear lad
enjoy a quiet stay rest awhile
when tired, there's your pillow and bed'

they searched for him  
for three weeks and a day
but they never found a trace or hint
of how he vanished into the night