Faerie Lore Poem by Jan Simons

Lend an ear
if you wish to hear
of the lore about faeries

It's in the form of a poem
so I don’t go on
too long
for fear of boring you

Much is true
some poo… poo
These are words
used by others to describe us

I shouldn’t repeat them,
should probably delete them
there are some faeries
who may make a fuss

So, do keep all under wraps, or perhaps
they'll twist and knot your hair
all the while laughing, maybe even clapping
at your frustration and despair

Yes, it may come as a surprise,
we’re not always nice.
In fact can be nasty.

Usually though, we’re quite jovial
even helpful
and happy.

One reason though
I’ll have you know
we can feel considerable displeasure
is when disrespect, and destructiveness
is inflicted upon nature.

Ah, but that’s another story
which may make you sorry
That's not my purpose today,
so I'll go on
with my poem
without further delay.

We can be enormously ugly,
terribly beautiful
and,
awfully mischievous,

We're elusive, capricious,
callous, gregarious,
a powerful enchanting muse,

We're keepers of wisdom
Do not dismiss us
simply because
we don’t feel like you do

We're delicate, tragic
beguiling, magic
and hold witness to you, too.

We're highly emotional
part of the ebb & flow
of cosmic tides
and embody sensitivity.

We're inspirational,
laughing, joyful
and attracted to creativity.

We're creatures of raw stuff
simply adore those
who love to dance and sing.

We can glide over water
and are part of
the invisible aspects
within the world’s workings.

You may spot us
glittering, twinkling
in flight upon gossamer wings.

Hear a peal of bells
see us dancing in circles,
to harps, reed whistles,
tambourines.

We come from over the horizon,
upon a misty island
We live in the rocks, hills, trees
even beneath your feet
in the dirt.

We try to remind you
of your relations
to each other and the earth.

We have many names
that have come through time
from numerous different places.

Like Ghillie Dhee, Gwaragedd Annwn
Killmoulis and Black Annis.

There are Pixies and Shee
Kobolds, Selkie,
Goblins, Spriggins, and Glaistig.

I'm sure you’ll know
of Bogies and Dwarfs
maybe even the Will o’ Wisp.

Definitely the Lepichaun,
perhaps the Brownie,
but there'll be others
that are unfamiliar.

Like the Booka, Cluricaun, Coblynau,
Bean-nighe and Knockers.

Hear of the Nuckelavee, Leanan-Sidhe
Puck, Redcap, and Urisk

There's the Alp-Luachra, Fenoderee
As a list, I think that’s it.

I’ll tell you a bit more
about one, two, three or four,
if you’re willing to listen…

Well, then I will begin
with the

Spriggins

Spriggins are small
they're mean and grotesque
and though they guard trreasure,
stay away, that is best.

They're thieves and villains,
kidnappers, too,
They'll rob a house
and then they'll rob you!

They can cause whirlwinds
blighting of crops
destroy the corn fields
That's not where it stops.

They can do all manner of mischief
and though they're quite small
They can inflate themselves up
to be rather tall

Into monstrous shapes
and so I am told,
Many believe
they are ghosts
from giants of old.

If you should meet one,
Don't bother to shout
Just take your clothes
and turn them
inside-out.

And if you have this handy,
though not many do,
I am told that holy water
is effective, too! .

Gwaragedd Annwn

though strange it does sound
is the name of fair maidens
who live water bound.

To find them is not easy
as the door is now locked
that leads to a tunnel
in a hidden Welsh rock.

Where once it stood open
to exquisite delights
all manner of fruit,
flowers, music, dancing
sights...

Because someone pocketed
a fairy treasure,
now all mortals must
bid
farewell!
to this once
shared
pleasure.

I hope you’ve enjoyed
all that I've told
and that we’ll meet again
real soon.

Meanwhile,
I’ll be polishing
more gems and jewels
for the future
to share with you.

For now tho'
I bid you,
Adieu!