The Woodfolk Sweep Through
The Water-Spirit:
Water flows in the wild wood deep,
Dreamy water that slips and sighs,
I shall whisper your heart to sleep,
Flowing down on your lips and eyes-
Dance and dream- dance and dream-
Folk of woodland and tree and stream!
The Fire-Spirit:
Fire shall burn and be always new,
Flames leap wild on the flashing air;
I shall sweep from the heart of you,
Worldly fever of love and care-
Dance and leap- dance and leap-
Folk of woodland and wind and steep!
The Earth-Spirit:
Earth is kind in the peace of night,
Earth that loves when all else is done-
I will hide you at loss of light
Deep from the hurt of the snow or sun-
Dance till night- dance till night-
Folk of woodland and vale and height!
Chorus of Woodfolk:
Wild the heart of the magic wood,
Wild the dream that shall never stay,
Flute and laughter and dance are good,
Joy and singing the while we may-
Joy is good- joy is good-
Folk of river and field and wood!
____________
SWANHILD SINGS UNSEEN:
White wings, far wings,
Fade down the sky,
Dream things, fair things
Follow and fly;
Young heart, wild heart,
Ah, could you follow
All the clouds, all the dreams,
Down the world’s hollow!
____________
SWANHILD SINGS TO THE KNIGHT:
What shall I do with my heart,
That will not go with thee,
Lover of mine, knight of mine,
Guide to the heights afar?
There is a dream to follow
That will not let me be-
I must go down to the marshland’s water,
Hiding from wind and star!
What shall I do with thy heart,
Seeking me without rest,
I who must strip all hands from me,
Guarding my steps in fear!
Turn from the fairy woodland,
Pass to thy holy quest-
I must go seek for the track of the swan
And the sound of the step of the deer!
(Margaret Widdemer)
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Based on Topics: Love Poems, World Poems, Night Poems, Light Poems, War & Peace Poems, Joy & Excitement Poems, Youth Poems, Fairness Poems, Dreams Poems, Fire Poems, Sleep PoemsBased on Keywords: marshland, woodfolk, water-spirit, earth-spirit