Once

Once

Once, they lived in two realms:

This Earth and far-off Faerie.

Once, they lived alongside us,

Sometimes tricksters,

Sometimes offering small boon,

Always warding against True Evil.

Once.

Once, the raveners stood in thwart,

Consigned to the wide places outside.

Once, the fiends were barred,

Beyond rampart,

Beyond curtain,

Always stalking the boundary.

Once.

Once, the whispers against Faerie took root,

Sidelong glances and fear of the other.

Once, talk from the shadows was debated,

Evidence muddied,

Rumor allowed,

Always sold as objective regard.

Once.

Once, our guardians were put to measure,

Dark mutterings not always dispelled.

Once, they were distracted from the borders,

Bounds degraded,

Imps slip,

Always influencing from dark places.

Still.

Once, we banished the protectors,

Cast them to the vacant outside.

Once, we did not fear the darkness,

Vigilant guards,

Ethereal brothers,

Always waiting to be allowed return…

Once…

Cliff Lake 10/29/2023

CliffSongs