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]
Memento Vitae 