The Witches.

Written back in 1971, just giving it an airing.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Seventy four on floating wheels

And carrying thirteen pretty girls

Who chant and smile, and pat their curls

And set their sights on Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Sixty-six and that's a fact

With thirteen mouths to chant the act

For thirteen girls no going back

They have to get to Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Fifty-five so set your brooms

And laugh your magic in the gloom

To weave your spell of certain doom

On all the men in Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Forty-four to wend your way

The day is dark, the night is grey

The witches Sabbath month of May

Is covening in Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Thirty-three so spend your time

In sipping heady summer wine,

And mixing potions, bending minds

In preparation for Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Twenty-two and spiders legs

With serpents' blood and turtle eggs

Are boiling in the cauldron dregs

Of thirteen witches of Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Thirteen miles and thirteen brooms

Of thirteen witches in the gloom

Are flying now beneath the moon

And homing in on Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Only three that I can see

The witches cackle now with glee

The devil's only pedigree

Will now convene in Warwick.

 

How much further to Warwick?

 

Nothing now, and looking fresh

Are thirteen girls in fancy dress,

Nothing more - and nothing less,

The hit of the ball at Warwick!

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[James Takeo Panton]

Classic and lyrical.......excellent rhythm......it bounces and rolls evenly.....

[Mountain Dawn]

I prefer this better said aloud. I wish it was October to tuck copies into the little treat bags (for the older ones) Or at a Halloween party!

[Damian Alan Gray]

This was great! It rolls off the tongue like butter. It reminded me of a poem one might read on one of those old and beautifully illustrated Victorian Halloween postcards. Wickedly and wisely done, David.