Hemlocked Heart

Dusk set and shadows grew as
I walked through fog filled woods
Adrift in notions of molasses candy,
Apple cider and freshly baked goods

The sun’s warmth held in my gaze
Beneath a crimson dogwood
Urged me forward into the darkness
As it had led me thus far, on foot 

I trusted in ivy, golden leaves
And aster, failing to notice
The encroaching descent of danger
From watching eyes filled with power

I sat for a spell, composing myself
Beneath a crimson dogwood
To ponder a distant thought,
As only the unaware could,

I sat and I wondered if I really 
I’m fit for newfound sisterhood
The answer came sudden
In the curious form of a would

They would be with me,
They would know me
They would help me
They would nourish me

Content with my serenity
Beneath a crimson dogwood
I breathed in the forest’s aroma
No longer was I misunderstood

As bright eyes flew open anew
My path now glowed with starlight
I saw shimmering once again,
The magical crystal of midnight

Ignorant to the creeping on bows
Far above my wandering head
That carried, dancing and spinning,
Eight of the truly meanest of friends

Chanting, Enchanting they gathered
Ever so softly they swept to the floor
They weaved a silver cage round me
A coven of sisters to transmute my core

The panic sunk in,
I’d realized too late
All exits were blocked
I must accept fate

They lulled me with cackles
And cooed sweet melodies
Until all fear was gone
And my sense left me.

Entranced my their chaos,
They approached one by one
To deliver me their poison
I knew a ending would come

I faded from myself in time
Beneath a crimson dogwood
And wondered through space
No longer was I wounded

Webs strung around my waist
Through eternal eons I traveled
Pulled through all my journeys
By a fate the weaver’s handled

Searing midday I awoke with a start
Beneath a crimson dogwood
The slightest twinkle of moonlight
Evermore caught in my eyes.