down the menacing hill in my backyard
running a bit because it's so steep
dodging tree branches as I approach water
I can hear the stream
f . l . o . w . i . n . g
the leaves are mostly green
but I'm happy to see some turning brown
proving autumn's really on its way
on a special secret hunt today
haven't told anyone
because I'd rather not hear their laughter
seeking some naturally growing toadstools
all together forming a circle
one of nature's wonders
a perfect circle
rising up in my grass
amongst fallen leaves from years past
that haven't decided to biodegrade
a sign that
magic
exists
a faerie ring
growing in my backyard
if only I could find one
so I'm out tonight exploring
for a dancing ground for magical creatures

I look up at the sky
it's become so dark
and the dark has become deep
only the moon in its bright entirety lights my path
still searching for those toadstools
I can hear faint music
so tiny an adult's ear could never pick it up
walking slowly over leaves
so as not to give myself away
leaves quietly crunch-crunching under my shoes
I can just barely see
lights are slightly brightly glowing
I can see . . . hear . . . smell
faeries . . . music . . . mead
and
then
without meaning to
I
blink
are my senses gone?
no longer can I see a faerie's dance
or hear the faerie band
or smell the faerie mead
sighs of hope
and desperation
of sadness
and
sheer
joy
and
all that's left in their wake
nature's wonder
a perfect circle
a faerie ring
only lonely toadstools
pushing through the leafy debris
in my backyard

07/05/2002

Posted on 07/05/2002
Copyright © 2024 Emily G Myers