Mercedes Lackey - Snow Beast

Children playing in the snow
Further out than they should go,
Saw a stranger walking near --
Never stopped to think or fear.

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

Greetings children, the woman said,
It's so cold, I'm chilled near dead,
Where's your camp and family, too?
Won't you take me home with you?

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

Long white hair and eyes like ice,
She spoke so fair she seemed so nice;
Foolish children did not ask,
Why she set them such a task.

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

They did not wait to find a guard,
They led her straight to their own yard.
They did not think to ask their kin,
They brought her home and let her in.

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

And when she was well hid inside,
Then she cast off her human hide.
Her fangs grew long, her claws sprang free --
A hungry fierce snow beast was she!

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

And all that night through every tent
She stalked and slaughtered as she went.
When the sun raised up his head,
Half of all that tribe lay dead.

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!

For pretty words and pretty whiles
And pretty looks and pretty smiles --
Those folks where slain and scattered all,
Because they let their caution fall.

Hair like snow, eyes that gleam,
Things aren't always what they seem.
Teeth too long, hands too thin --
Always look beneath the skin!
Always look beneath the skin!

* The story Tarma tell to warn children about strangers