Peg Powler

Beware the river, children,
For there Peg Powler resides,
With tangled weeds in her hair,
Putrid slime upon her lips,
And fell hunger in her eyes.

Beware the waters, children,
For they echo the rumble
Of Peg’s bottomless belly.
Streamside reeds rustle and sway,
Then clatter as she cackles.

Beware the slick banks, children,
For beyond the grassy verge
Where green foam mingles with mud
The ravenous hag awaits
One clumsy move, one false step.

Beware Peg’s home, my children,
Or risk a watery death.
Wander too close to the edge
Taloned hands might drag you down
And in Peg’s arms you will drown.

(Originally published in Bewildering Stories, Issue 316, December 1, 2008)

Richard H. Fay is an author, artist, and home school dad who resides in Upstate New York. He is inspired by medieval history, myth, and legend, and the classics of fantasy literature. His diverse and interconnected interests drive his artistic endeavour. He writes fantasy prose and poetry, as well as dabbling in science fiction and horror. Recently he has decided to begin writing as more than just a sideline, although he has been writing seriously since the 1980s.

Find more by Richard H. Fay in the Author Index.

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