At the Wheel

The wooden wheel turns 'round and 'round
While Tom-Tit-Tot spins wicked spells.
Black fingers twist enchanted threads
To fulfill a fell bargain struck
As whispered words weave tangled webs
Of diabolic enthrallment.

The wooden wheel whirls 'round and 'round
While Tom-Tit-Tot spins five whole skeins.
Ebon lips twitch with savage glee
Roused by swaggering assurance
That secret facts and unfound truths
Will remain hidden forever.

The wooden wheel twirls 'round and 'round
While Tom-Tit-Tot spins a foul fate.
Foolhardy vows bind mortal soul
As surely as tempered steel chains.
Fair maid becomes a promised bride
Unless she hails that imp by name.

The wooden wheel goes 'round and 'round
While Tom-Tit-Tot spins darkling dreams
Grimly conceived in midnight's gloom.
The wretch drifts off in sinful thoughts
Hoping the lass gives lusty sport
When her pure white flesh is made his.

(Originally published in the Spring 2010 issue of Illumen.)

Richard H. Fay currently resides in upstate New York with his wife and two cats. Formerly a laboratory-technician-turned-home-educator, Richard now spends his days juggling numerous art and writing projects. History, myth, folklore, and legend serve as inspiration for his creative endeavours. Many of the fruits of his labour have appeared in various e-zines, print magazines, and anthologies.

Find more by Richard in the Author Index

Comment on this story in the Aphelion Forum

Return to Aphelion's Index page.