“The Changeling”

A deceiver—it doesn’t belong.

ca 1880s cabinet card, unknown subject

 

A villanelle…

Something is off about Myrtle today–

Her spirit has lost its song;

Her eyes are ghostly and far away.

*

Where is the lamb who used to play?

She has gone all terribly wrong.

Something is off about Myrtle today.

*

Goblins and redcaps have led her astray.

By starlight, she reels with their throng;

Her eyes are ghostly and far away.

*

Perfumed with foxglove, mushrooms, decay,

Her muddied fists grow strong.

Something is off about Myrtle today.

*

Call Father Thomas without delay,

She’s marked with the Devil’s prong.

Her eyes are ghostly and far away.

*

This poppet of cloth sent by the Fey,

A deceiver—it doesn’t belong.

Something is off about Myrtle today.

Her eyes are ghostly and far away.

 

[Photo is ca 1880s cabinet card, unknown subject]

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