Magical Meetings

On an evening bright with moonlight,
Wizards, witches, and warlocks meet
Atop that swarded fairy knoll
Beside the twisted hawthorn tree.
Weird folk carry four-leaf clovers
Or cast charms of eldritch vision
To catch sight of persons unseen
And join their mystic revelries.

Woollen-robed men of magic dance
Alongside fair deathless lasses,
While ancient crones and young maids reel
Hand-in-hand with crimson-capped imps.
Elfin pipers then quell their tune
And let the revellers mingle.
Human guests obtain arcane truths
Consorting with the gathered fay.

Conversing with mossy spirits,
Wise women learn of herbal lore,
Receive the glowing healing touch,
And gain the gift of prophesy.
Lightning flashes in star-filled sky
And thunder shakes the grassy hill
As sorcerers practice new spells
Whispered softly by dusky shades.

When the stroke of midnight draws near
And the raging bonfire burns high,
Potent summons call forth grim wraiths
From the realm of mist and shadow.
Hollow voices reveal true loves
And proclaim futures in riddles,
Until the closing witching hour
Passes with a sudden cold sigh.

Once creeping dawn signals the end
Of that uncanny assembly,
All ride across the countryside
On the backs of wondrous creatures.
Formed from hazel twigs, twine, and straw,
Given false life by glamour’s sheen,
Strange steeds carry the mortals home
And then retreat before the sun.

(Originally published in Sorcerous Signals, May - July '11 Issue, May 2011.)

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.

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