The River

My inquisitive nature requires me to further investigate.
Over the river and through woods this mysterious river cannot seem to wait.
I hide myself wrapped inside my father's winter cloak.
Quietly, stealthily I run around into the midnight's thickening smoke.
Oh the rumor of this river has my imagination running wild.
And yes, I disregard the warnings of this river, its nature and its guiles.
Take a left, make a right, and travel down the path.
At the end, the big oak tree, a shadow it will cast.
Follow to where the shadow points and continue on your way.
Straight ahead in the clearing is where the river lay.
Faster and faster I run I stumble, the river is so close.
When I find, and see this river, I can return and boast.
Faster and faster I run I stumble, the clearing I see, is near.
Faster and faster I run and fall to find there's nothing here.