LiE by Evgeny Freeone. LInk to artist's page.
The Warning
Is this the door you're looking for
The entrance that you seek?
Turn away, immediately!
You are timid and too meek!
Think you of bright enchantments
And placid inland seas?
Gleaming fjords and mountains
Where magic blows the breeze?
Do fairies glitter through the mist
From your vantage point?
Does the Elfking wait for you
Your presence to annoint?
You wish escape from what you know
To find the love you need?
With sensual, golden beauties
Of mixed, or elfish-breed?
There are NO castles in this realm
No mermaids on the shore!
No fairy rings, no wee-folk
Do NOT misread the lore!
Within...you will find darkness
And frights you cannot know
Writhing, squirming wickedness
Terror's fine tableau!
All Hallow's Eve is on this night
The spirits do not rest
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg
These tortured souls don't jest!
No goblins, trolls, or witches
Would dare to come inside
They do not have the temperaments
And nightmares can't abide
The dead are roaming hereabouts
To songs that Banshees' wail
Blood-sucking thirsty creatures
That will happily assail
Your tender skin, your juicy limbs,
Your sleek, inviting neck
These hungry ghouls will lacerate!
Your bones won't leave a speck.
If, perchance, you're left alive
The body not destroyed
Your unique essence will be consumed
Your soul will be the void!
If you desire misery,
Loneliness and sorrow
Enter at your own behest
Or, put off till tomorrow.
Only skillful fairy kind
Can experience firsthand
The mysteries held here within
This dark, and nether land.
You may return in early Spring
Or, during the Beltane
When birds and flowers flourish
While only insects cause you pain.
And when you meet another kind
A personage of Fae
Bring all your wits and courage
Tricks will abound that day!
We won't tear you asunder
At best, we will annoy
Be treated by our mischief
Each clever girl and boy.
Now, BE OFF! oh mortal one!
And move some other hinge
This night, I am your guardian
My law, you won't infringe!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2011
***
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg. Old English. All Saints Day.
The entrance that you seek?
Turn away, immediately!
You are timid and too meek!
Think you of bright enchantments
And placid inland seas?
Gleaming fjords and mountains
Where magic blows the breeze?
Do fairies glitter through the mist
From your vantage point?
Does the Elfking wait for you
Your presence to annoint?
You wish escape from what you know
To find the love you need?
With sensual, golden beauties
Of mixed, or elfish-breed?
There are NO castles in this realm
No mermaids on the shore!
No fairy rings, no wee-folk
Do NOT misread the lore!
Within...you will find darkness
And frights you cannot know
Writhing, squirming wickedness
Terror's fine tableau!
All Hallow's Eve is on this night
The spirits do not rest
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg
These tortured souls don't jest!
No goblins, trolls, or witches
Would dare to come inside
They do not have the temperaments
And nightmares can't abide
The dead are roaming hereabouts
To songs that Banshees' wail
Blood-sucking thirsty creatures
That will happily assail
Your tender skin, your juicy limbs,
Your sleek, inviting neck
These hungry ghouls will lacerate!
Your bones won't leave a speck.
If, perchance, you're left alive
The body not destroyed
Your unique essence will be consumed
Your soul will be the void!
If you desire misery,
Loneliness and sorrow
Enter at your own behest
Or, put off till tomorrow.
Only skillful fairy kind
Can experience firsthand
The mysteries held here within
This dark, and nether land.
You may return in early Spring
Or, during the Beltane
When birds and flowers flourish
While only insects cause you pain.
And when you meet another kind
A personage of Fae
Bring all your wits and courage
Tricks will abound that day!
We won't tear you asunder
At best, we will annoy
Be treated by our mischief
Each clever girl and boy.
Now, BE OFF! oh mortal one!
And move some other hinge
This night, I am your guardian
My law, you won't infringe!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2011
***
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg. Old English. All Saints Day.
Sarah Ann and William Henry Harrison Sourbeck, Scoville 1/6th-Plate Daguerreotype, Circa 1850. Link to Artist's [Lisby] website.
This poem was originally inspired by "Valdeema" by Memory Howell.
Valdeema by Memory Howell. Link to artist's website.