as in a tale of fairies

the way was told

with mocking riddles

laid out plain.

far across the mountain meadow

where no track lay -

a rift in forest edge...

an easy opening, an inviting path,

which we took

though not the course described.

there a strange repast

was laid

on cracked 

and broken plates.

dry marrow.

withered seeds.

for Catherine  2021