The Traveler And The Sprite Poem by Michael Carroll

Succumbing to the allure of things he shan't have
He took to the road, heart light, spirit glad
His greatest delight was traveling alone
A companion was something he had never known

O'er mountains, through valleys, 'cross rivers and streams
He strode without halting, chasing his dreams
Solitude was his comfort, the path before him his maid
Needing nothing and no one, his plans had been laid

Whilst walking briskly through an enchanted wood
He was suddenly stopped in his steps and he stood
For caught in the very corner of his sight
'Twas the ethereal dancing of a lovely Willow Sprite

His dreams, now forgotten, lay at his feet
The only sound in his ears, his own heavy heartbeat
Shadows cast by her glow danced a dance of their own
Swinging from tree to tree, leaping from stone to stone

Of all the wondrous sights he had seen
No beauty compared to this woodland queen
He watched as she twirled and spun with such grace
He wept, then he laughed, still frozen in place

He scarce could believe the vision beheld,
Tried not to move but felt strangely compelled
To join in the frolic, to share her bright glee
But if he approached, would the Willow Sprite flee?

He tried to step forward, but just wasn't that strong
Then her eyes met his, as if she knew all along
Of his admiration, his desires and his thoughts
And all of the dreams he had somehow forgot

She then came and took his trembling hand
It felt like becoming a part of the land
Coursing through his spirit was an otherworldly power
Suddenly he knew each tree, plant and flower

They danced through the night, 'till the rise of the sun
The traveler had changed, it could not be undone
He had fallen in love, the Willow Sprite too
He could not bear to leave her, this much he knew

The traveler hasn't been seen since that day
They say he quit traveling to live with the Fae
If you walk through the wood on a warm summer's night
You may witness the dance of the Traveler and Sprite