THE FAIRY BALL
Is this the way to fairyland?
It says so on the sign
I’m sure it’s where I was last night
I recognize the climb.
Down, across the bridge and up
Up, then through the trees
It’s there my memory weakens
The way, I cannot see.
Last night I travelled light of step
And even before the glade
I could hear through air so still and clear
Each note musicians played.
And then a hand took mine in hers
And beneath the moonbeams’ fall
I watched as figures swirled around
I was at the fairies’ ball.
As gentle as a feather’s touch
They danced ‘neath the silver moon
Laughter rang and smiles were met
In time to every tune.
Elves and goblins were the band
So sweetly did they play
Every melody filled my heart
Never did they fade.
Then gradually the orb moved on
And darkness took its stead
Each note and figure drifted, gone
I left to take my bed.
Is this the way to fairyland?
It says so on the sign
Yet I’m not so certain as to where I was
An empty hand is mine.
Paul Dominic Gray July 2019