In the Fire-Fens

 

In the Fire-Fens

 

Only a fool walks the fire-fens.

Out there where the senses end.

Some never return again,

From a foolish night in the fire-fens.

 

This tale begins where it should end:

A brave lad found at loose ends.

An unwise wager made with friends:

A dare to brave the fire-fens.

 

One night only he should spend,

One night in the fire-fens.

With warm regard these fellows send,

With what fate would he contend?

 

Sometimes a fool tries the fire-fens,

That vie with the senses of men.

Some are known to return again,

After the night in the fire-fens.

 

Bravely forth our lad intends.

Bravely to the fire-fens.

Therein he finds what not was kenned:

The very spirit of the fire-fens.

 

Fire-red tresses she did tend,

And soul-deep eyes that beckoned.

Then all time seemed to suspend,

And the lad was lost to the fire-fens.

 

Not some fool walks the fire-fens.

Out here where senses contend.

Somehow he’ll return again,

This fool of the fire-fens.

 

Now our lad bravely attends,

The mysteries of the fire-fens.

Such consumption that she lends!

This mistress of the fire-fens.

 

To walk toward the fire-fens,

Sometimes is found more than intends.

Not ever certain what it portends,

Nights spent within the fire-fens.

 

Some fools brave the fire-fens,

Out there where the senses rend.

Some return once and again,

Drawn ever to the fire-fens.

 

Cliff Lake 1/26/2026

Copyright © Clifford Lake 2026