Though I prefer the kitchen cauldron,
Rosemary, basil, and sage -
Maidens all must take their turn
Dancing with the Faerie King.
Moonlight tangles round my throat,
Witch hazel, rose, and lavender -
And secrets line my slippers,
Telltale scents lost under perfume and wine.
Crystal glasses drunk too deeply,
Lemon, mint, and orange bitters -
They know their King is an ugly truth
Behind sharp teeth and a beautiful lie.
Revolution in my heart
Oleander, hemlock, and pennyroyal -
My shoe’s secret in the cup,
I offer the King a shy smile and my glass.
Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman are award-winning folklorists, teachers, and writers. Together, they founded THE CARTERHAUGH SCHOOL OF FOLKLORE AND THE FANTASTIC, teaching creative souls how to re-enchant their lives through folklore and fairy tales. Their fiction and poetry can be found in Enchanted Living, Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, Liminality, and others.
Graphic: Amanda Bergloff @AMANDABERGLOFF
Comments