Valdeema©Memory Howell
Valdeema's Warning
Is this the door you're looking for
The entrance that you seek?
Turn away, immediately
Oh timid one, too meek!
Think you of bright enchantments
And placid inland seas
Gleaming fjords and mountains
Where magic blows the breeze?
Do fairies glitter through the mist
From your vantage point
Does the Elfking wait for you
Your presence to annoint?
You wish escape from what you know
To find the love you need
With sensual, golden beauties
Of mixed, or elfish-breed?
There are no castles in this realm
No mermaids on the shore
No fairie-rings, no wee-folk
Don't misread the lore!
Within you will find darkness
And frights you cannot know
Writhing, squirming wickedness
Terror's fine tableau!
All Hallow's Eve is on this night
The spirits do not rest
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg
These tortured souls don't jest!
No goblins, trolls, or witches
Would dare to come inside
They do not have the temperaments
And nightmares can't abide
The dead are roaming hereabouts
To songs that banshees' wail
Blood-sucking thirsty creatures
Will happliy assail
Your tender skin, your juicy limbs,
Your sleek, inviting neck
The hungry ghouls will lacerate,
Your bones won't leave a speck.
If, perchance, you're left alive
The body not destroyed
A unique essence was consumed
Your soul will be the void!
If you desire misery,
Loneliness and sorrow
Enter at your own behest
Or, put off till tomorrow.
Only skillful fairie kind
Can experience firsthand
The mysteries held here within
This dark, and nether land.
You may return in early Spring
Or, during the Beltane
When birds and flowers flourish
And insects cause you pain.
And when you meet another kind
A personage of Fae
Bring all your wits and courage
Tricks will abound that day!
We won't tear you asunder
At best, we will annoy
Be treated by our mischief
Each clever girl and boy.
Now, BE OFF! oh mortal one!
And move some other hinge
This night, I am your guardian
My law, you won't infringe!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2011
***
Ealra hālgena mæssedæg. Old English. All Saints Day.
Banshee...pic borrowed from Maine Ghost Hunters
Valdeema guards at night...