Inspired

Twilight

This poem was inspired by another of Stephanie Law's painting of the same name, from her collection, Where The Sea Meets The Sky.

You can see it here: https://www.shadowscapes.com/image.php?lineid=52&bid=1518

In the twilit night 'neath the crescent moon

A long-tailed sylph appeared, for bane or boon?

Following it far, I lost my way

Beyond known forests, I had not meant to stray

Yet here I am, within your domain

Deep in your forest, where you rest and reign

With a graceful lift of your slender hand

The rare bird came to you, stilled to a stand

Lady, they say you bewitch beasts and birds

That your tunes enchant them, flock and herd

That you never speak, nor sign, not a word

But your music heals, wherever it's heard

The sylph is ill-omen'ed, they say it's cursed

Lady, have a care, 'tis not one to be nursed

There, it's drawn blood, you pale and swoon

And no help's coming any time soon

Rest awhile here safe upon my lap

'twixt you and the sylph, I'll widen the gap

You stir and wake, flinch away from my touch

Lady, your pardon, I had not meant to clutch

The sylph I've held at bay with my sword

Still sheathed, 'tis true, I use it only to ward

Lady, you sign for me to pass your lyre

Its horn'ed frame of maple I pause to admire

As you sweep your fingers over the strings

Music swells, and a nightingale sings

The sylph dreams awake, its eyelids fall

Me, am I held or am I loosed from thrall?

Lady, your wristlet falls to the ground

Your wound all healed, no scar to be found

Yet a look of disquiet rises in your eyes

As your hand I seize to bid my goodbyes

Fare thee well, Lady of the Twilit Forest

I leave you here to your wing'ed chorus

For the birds you play and for the beasts as well

For them your music falls and swells

Your healing's for those who need it most

I shall leave and no further on you impose.

Is that a sigh borne upon the breeze?

Is that your tune, meant my heart to seize?

Will I slumber with ease or will I toss and turn

If all Life's lessons I choose now to unlearn?

I'll follow the sylph no more into the night

It lures me forth, but harsh is its bite

Nightingales sing, in or out of sight

Your choristers take wing, Lady, set the sky alight!

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