Fate
In swamp and forest where demons dwell
Among trees and rushes where the spirits fly
Where nymphs beneath dark waters freely swim
A land where villagers believe even the air is cursed
In such a far-off land there is a tale to tell
Cold enough to freeze a tear in the watering eye
Upon the blackness of the earth was the legend made
Amongst the very trees along the path I now traverse
Ghosts called out to me as they floated on a breeze
Enticement along the path I wished to tread
Witches peered out from behind standing stones
The sorcerer at work sent lightning to the sky
I heard the whispers of a wizard among the trees
Past the ancient murder-stone where sacrifice was bled
Past the great cairn that held the maiden’s bones
On the road to a palace where the undead lie
Trapped between two worlds I seek release
Beyond the dragon’s breath I pass the moated gate
Where the bloodied axe awaits those condemned to hell
To the seat of the sorceress who cast the spell of doom
A pond of giant lilies was home to the sabred geese
Whose beaks like blades sent the undead to a fate
Who would dare to join me on this path
In seeking for desires beyond the great unknown
Copyright: David Hopcroft January 2025
Park Bench Tales and other writings 