The King Of The Faeries Poem by Patrick William Kavanagh

Sprite of foot and keen of eye,
With sombre beauty, I can scarce describe,
He never told the truth, but never really lied,
The music of his voice brought tears of longing to my eyes.

The labyrinth of his mind touched, mine and made me weep,
for all the wishes that my long lost childhood could not keep.
I stood amazed, entranced, but careful to maintain a steady glance,
My wishes were within my grasp, and yet, single blink might spoil my chance.

He bowed so low, he swept the ground,
his sparkling laughter echoed all around,
With promise of servitude, his smiling eyes belied,
he granted me my wishes with a gleaming, imp like look within his eyes.

A moments pause, I must remember karmic laws and wish with all my wiles.
"I wish for Health".. and once again he gave that dreadful smile.
"Granted! , You shall die as healthy as you are today, -
Now two more wishes, and I shall be on my way! "

I shuddered as the icy chill ran down my spine, and silently I wished we had not met.
But still I had a chance to prosper here, for had I not still got two wishes left.
"I wish myself a long and happy life! ", again that awful smile that turned my heart to stone,
" One hundred years I add unto your span, and you shall live it happily, though you may live it hungry and alone".

I sighed, I cast my eyes down to the ground, - I knew I had but once last wish to turn my fate around.
"I wish, my Lord, that I had not been so bold, to try to draw upon your power,
I wish, my Lord, that I had not belaboured you at this late hour".
" I wish, My lord, to leave you and this sacred place as it was found".

He smiled again with warmth, My heart began to fill with joy.
"You had three wishes, but you added more and set me free,
Your kindly act has filled my ancient heart, once more, with childish glee.
I wish you well my friend, I wish you wealth and health and joy",
And, as he faded back into the mist, he waved a last goodbye.

Barnetby Le Wold