Misted darkness shrouds the night, 
I journey t'wards the north. 
The Hi'lands call, 
The storm clouds brawl, 
Whilst ever must I push forth. 

What be this force that draws me, 
Ever pulling upon my heart? 
What bids me go, 
From all I know, 
Whilst tearing my world apart?

   The thunder cries in anguish, 
Echoing in my soul.  
Bodhran rhythms, 
Lightning prisms, 
The journeying takes its toll.

*** 

Mem'ry sees into the past, 
My thoughts recall my birth. 
A foundling child 
With temper, mild
Given easily to mirth.   

A changeling child they called me, 
yet how could this be true? 
The Fae are gone,
 And so their song, 
Their memory known to few.   

And how am I to greet this fate,
 Raised as my father's son?
 His be the hands 
Of loyal clans,
 And I, his grounded one....  

 Yet Mem'ries of the taunting,
 My wish to do as taught.... 
Such were my days,
 To learn their ways,
 Against my own self, I've fought.  

 At war within, I've struggled
Against my own desire.
To know my mind,
All past behind, Holding deep, its raging fire.  

***

The night wears on around me,
My body racked with chills.
Yet on I go,
The need to know
Drawing me towards the hills.  

And at the journey's ending
Fair leagues from those I love,
I find that I
Am welcomed by
Those I had once but dreamed of.  

***

Were they truly Fae, you ask?
I'm sure that I don't know.
 But should you find,
You're urged in kind,
I'll say not, but that you go.  

~

© Karli Shanklin. All rights reserved!