I'm hoping to put together a chapbook of poetry to ultimately submit for publication. This piece happens to be in progress, but I thought I'd share some of it here and possibly see what you think about it.
THE OAK AND THE FAE
An ancient group of trees entwined aged fingers overhead
as feeble breaths brought trembling whispers to my ears.
Tiny dewdrops twinkled on the verdant pathway that I tread;
an emerald carpet threading through bright crystal tears.
Sunlit skies gave way to twilight in soft shades of silver-gray.
Whilst silence reigned, the moon reclaimed her lofty throne.
Hypnotic beams then spilled to earth to wash the gloom away
as I wandered through the stillness of a woodland all alone.
The well-worn path I traveled crossed an open field of flowers,
their fragrant perfume fused with scents of herb and sedge.
Sweet honeysuckle climbed slim trees to twine in floral bowers
which stood beyond a coppice at the footpath's wooded edge.
It was there I spied high grasses slightly bent near supple trees.
A sudden urgency to shift my course compelled my weary feet.
I thought I heard faint blissful strains float on a balmy breeze
as I stepped inside a sheltered glade and found a rare retreat.
A subtle blend of resins laced with loam, green grass, and wood
spread an aromatic incense through the fresh, sweet-smelling air.
Pungent pine and scented blossoms overwhelmed me as I stood
surrounded by lush blooms and buds that flourished everywhere.
Glistening moonlight fell from open skies to limn a timeworn oak;
a stately magus rose in guard of untold tales with striking grace.
I closed my eyes and took repose beneath its spangled cloak,
then slipped into a restful sleep which knew no time or place.
Soon I woke from peaceful slumber and my eyes flew open wide.
I gazed in breathless wonder as I watched a host of faeries rise!
From far beneath the gnarly roots they crept from where they hide
and spread their silken wings to soar up into lucid, moonlit skies.
The full moon cast a profound spell to charm the obscure site
as dainty figures flit from limb to flower, adorned in lustrous silk.
Filmy dresses flowed in swirling waves about each elfin sprite.
Eyes flashed like chips of diamond next to skin as pale as milk.
The unique beauty of lithe silhouettes framed in shimmery light;
long hair streaming out behind them as they darted to and fro,
wove a web of profound mystery that caught and held the night
and bound it with enchantment as I watched them from below.
I sat transfixed within a vision which enthralled me with a dream
of a wise and withered visage peering from the weathered tree.
The bark revealed its ageless eyes which bore a curious gleam
and fixed upon my countenance as it smiled, then spoke to me---
Until the queen lifts up the flaming heart that stands confined,
we shall await this glad occasion with the orb that shines above.
The glowing ring of mushrooms marks the joy we leave behind
in the dazzling light that floods this night with everlasting love.
Lost for words to counter those which fell unbidden from the guide,
I turned my rapturous attention to glad praises mixed with song.
They filled the air with endless magic, attesting to the common pride
of a beloved benefactress who would sit amidst the joyous throng.
An engraved throne of solid oak appeared upon the woodland floor;
acorns, oak leaves, creeping vines were carved into the wooden chair.
They flanked a recessed panel which exposed a hidden inner door
from which a lovely queen emerged with golden oak leaves in her hair.
The faeries came to form concentric rings around the ancient tree
whilst mesmeric notes of music played, mingling pipe and string.
Each one in turn then bowed their head and knelt on bended knee
for the majesty of the faery queen who sat inside the center ring.
Seven sprites took flight above the center of the soundless glade
to spill baskets filled with petals of each perfect rose they found!
Colors floated on a playful breeze in every different tone and shade
which formed a velvet carpet as they fluttered to the open ground.
She wore a crown of slender twigs laced with sprigs of mistletoe.
Her hair fell loose in coppery waves that tumbled in a fiery mass.
A glittering robe of sheer blue silk grazed the tender grass below;
and skimmed a pair of lucent shoes that sparkled as if spun of glass.
She raised a twisted staff of oak entwined with thorns and whitened ash
as faeries played a haunting tune which stirred emotions in the heart;
and struck the oak upon its bole which brought to view a weeping gash
that caused the tree to shudder as the wound began to spread apart.
A lambent flame pulsed into life and flared with brilliant tongues of fire.
The oak tree shook and shivered as its roots lifted above the ground.
She lay the staff upon its heart, which bore the essence of desire,
and raised it as a stairway loomed beneath the fearsome rending sound.
The brilliant light exposed a maze that led to realms in far off lands
by way of which a handsome king then came to court the lovely queen.
He sought to claim the one who held the torch of love within her hands.
They danced away the predawn hours on petals strewn upon the green.
The energetic roll of drums rose up with reeds, panpipes, and lyre.
Faeries moved in cyclic circles with winsome steps in perfect time.
They encircled two enamored hearts as magic set love's flame afire,
until the blazing torch burned low and mournful bells began to chime.