Crystabel wiped pollen

from her mouth and nose

Something had just fallen

onto a nearby rose

.

A short flight to the flower

then landed on a petal

She didn’t hide or cower

a fairy of some mettle

.

Her tiny palms she held

below sweet ruby lips

A magic word she spelled

then blew her fingertips

.

A shimmering of gold

landed on the being

‘Please come alive—unfold’

Some goodness she was freeing

.

As dust and pollen moved

arms, wings, legs appeared

The shapelessness improved

as particles all cleared

.

‘Och Hadeez yer nae man 

come oot here noo—an fight

Ye’d never beat oor clan

even wi yer might

.

Ma name is Elf MacFee

an ah’m prepared to die

Wings broken noo—may-be

but take ye on, ah’ll try’

.

Crystabel sat smiling

radiating beauty

Her sweet face was beguiling

to look good was her duty

.

‘Hello my handsome friend’

she called to Elf MacFee

‘Your journey’s reached it’s end

in England now you’ll be’

.

Elf MacFee looked ’round

fists resting on his hips

Saw Crystabel and found

no words would leave his lips

.

‘Speechless are you now 

my windblown Scottish friend?

At least I have know-how

your gossamer to mend’

.

Elf then tried his wings

they wouldn’t move at all

He said, ‘Ye ken those things

on magic can ye call?’

.

‘For you I will my friend

your damage tempo-rary

I’ll use a special blend

to help you fly Scots fairy’

***

 

 This is a selection from Rhyme & Reason: 200 poems