FAERY LASS

Once in a dream a long time ago

I saw her as she lay beneath an apple tree

Her breathing was soft, her face was serene

Even in repose, such a figure of sweet ecstasy

Then she awoke as if in response

to my nearness, my presense,

my intensity of thought

With quiet grace she slowly stood

stunning me by a beauty I knew not before

a yearning rose inside

Longing to touch her face

I stepped within the circle of her presence

thus did I betray my heart

for immediately aware she stepped from my grasp

darting like a fawn

I called for her in vain

wailing at my loss

but she did not stop

she did not turn

she did not beckon with open arms

Instead she ran like the elements

fire flamed her cheeks

wind blew her feet

water flowed from her eyes

earth alone held her heart

Leaving me alone with the misery

of her memory

which lay like wilted flowers

in the attic of my mind.