Villanelle: "At Camelot's Height"

Step lively, and step lightly on the green
We will have no fear of the fairy folk
You move between their presences, unseen
The stones may mope and mock with faces' mean
But those they're carved for, are a fading joke
Step lively, and step lightly on the green
See how the moonlight casts its grey-white sheen
Like sword through Arthur's Anvil, at a stroke
You move between. There presences, unseen,
Yearn for the tyranny that once has been
But 'Caliburn has since struck off that yoke
Step lively, and step lightly on the green
Give thanks now, banshee's mute and cannot keen
And all the wailing power of Fay, is broke
You move between. They're presences unseen.
Much now has faded, gone where none can ween
Who now would fear them, if they once awoke
Step lively, and step lightly on the green
You move between their presences, unseen.


Simon BJ