On Wings to Fairyland

On Wings to Fairyland

While roaming through the greening hills one day,

I saw a hawk perched on a fairy tree;

How strange, I thought, that he should have a voice

And speak in rasping tone these words to me:

"I'll carry all your troubles on my back;

Together you and I could fly, right now,

To where slight fairies dance from dusk till dawn…."

With that, he swooped down from the swaying bough,

And on his back we rose to meet the clouds

Where rising seashore mist the sun's rays greet.

Then, when my host, a charming elf, appeared,

My saddened heart picked up an extra beat.

He touched my hand, and all my cares took flight,

Along with stubborn traces of past frowns,

And soon I laughed and waltzed through fairyland

Among spry bluebirds in their feathered gowns.

I rode the clouds, as soft as eiderdown;

At one clear lake I stopped to kiss a swan,

Then rested by wild ivy covered walls,

All green, in contrast with the pink of dawn.

Sweet fruits on trees called out, “We are soooo ripe…”

I ate, then listened to an elfin song

Performed by graceful minstrels passing by

Upon a playful breeze that came along.

While breaking roses for one large bouquet

And watching pretty fairy children fly--

Just then, I heard my loved ones calling me,

And so I kissed the kind wee folk goodbye.

               The earth-bound hawk dove at increasing speed,
               And all my flowers scattered through the air
               To join my troubles--save one patch of pink
               That now, preserved, remains a souvenir