The Fairy Tree

How's about a bit of folklore?

Alone it stood in midst of field
legend goes, since days of yore,
a hawthorne tree, where fairies,
dance in symphony,
according to local folklore

But there came a day, sad to say
the old Squire passed away,
and with his demise,
town council's advise,
the tree must be go, it's in the way

As John DeLorean had factory plans
to build upon the land,
but against such folly, O' by golly
in life, the Squire had fought,
to stall and scupper his master plan

The wheels of industry plundered on
as is oft the case,
and heavy plant, did supplant
the airy fairy's hawthorne tree,
despatched without trace

But what Mr DeLorean didn't know
unlike the Squire himself,
bad luck for life, trouble and strife
to uproot the Fairy's sacred tree,
and so they summoned up a vengeful elf

Who cast a nasty spell upon tycoon and car
their future it went back,
no hurry in Dunmurry, ten years passed
before production, soon bankruptcy
and later arrest for trafficking 'crack'

So, if e'er you come across the hawthorne
be mindful of its aura,
cut yourself a stick, careful, don't get a prick
then please, leave well alone,
for it is sacrosanct and sacred to fauna and flora!

http://www.yourirish.com/folklore/irish-fairy-trees

Author's Note

Take a look at the link to get the full picture..

Reviews

[Mariej]

I have loved fairy stories from childhood and this one is not an exception to the rule. A charming story penned with wit and humour, very visual, it imparts to the reader to respect the fairy fold, not to interfere with them in any way or else, as depicted in the poem, back luck will follow for many years to come. Lovely flow to the poem, smooth and even. I love this poem very much, it is truly delightful, with a moral for the reader too. Thank you for sharing, Tom...

[Tom]

Yes Marie indeed, hard to beat a faiytale and especially one from home soil, thanks my friend!

[Mariej]

I agree 110%, Tom. A good fairytale cannot be beaten especially our Irish ones which are legendary. Wondering if you ever heard 'The Banshee', Tom. I did once, back in 1986, but I can't write about it, I have found no way to describe 'her' singing, well I will call it singing for want of a better word. Most welcome always, dear Tom...

[Tom]

Haven't heard it myself Marie but know well of her legendary, haunting caterwaul shriek at the dead of night, in fact I've a poem somewhere describing the banshee

[Mariej]

Oooohhhh! I will look for the poem later, Tom. I have to read it! Thank you for sharing...

[shruthi]

The fairy tree...nice lines...nice writing

[Tom]

Thank you shruthi

[KWP]

Yes, lovely take of folklore, well done, you have wrapped it very nicely in your story here. A great reminder to us silly humans about what's important - but I wonder who among us will listen X

[Tom]

Yes my friend, who would listen? Thank you for the read and comments!

[Lydia Shutter]

Don't mess with fairies who live in beautiful trees....their spells will makes sure you are sorry if you do. There is fantasy and reality woven here....and the tapestry is so lovely, Tom. Never did like those DeLorean cars! Lydi**

[Tom]

You've got it Lydia, don't mess with the fairies or else?

Thank you my friend!

[Sami Khalil]

What a great take on Folklore and fairies with vengeance and bad luck to those who put a curse on helpless trees and themselves. We all reap what we plant. Your pen is true and magical.

[Tom]

'Reap what you plant' ... I like that, thank you Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome, Tom.

[kitty]

Just like I believe in miracles, I believe in fairies! This piece took me to scenes in the gardens of The Chalice Well in Glastonbury. Delightful read.

[Tom]

Yes, I'm sure a mystical place as well, thank you Kitty!

[Dhaye]

I like this, Tom. I am a fan of fairy tales. As always, you made a fantastic piece here with a different style.
Kudos!

[Tom]

Thank you Dhaye for your welcome, long overdue visit and as always encouraging critique!

[Beccy]

There is more in this world than we know; never should we dismiss such things lightly, or as you say, ill will befall.

Enjoyed this Tom, an entertaining poem and a salutary lesson all rolled into one.

Beccy.

[Tom]

thank you Beccy, yes, tread carefully?

[Tomás Ó C..]

Great retelling of the story... a Kerry TD Helay Rae declared the bad roads in Kerry were due to the fairy forts destryoed in the county... a right novel excuse!!!

[Tom]

Yes indeed, stay off their patch, me thinks!

Thank you Sir!

[Norman 223]

Thanks for this, Tom. I knew about fairy duns swallowing up those that trod on them them, but your account of the hawthorn causing the demise of the De Lorean was far more entertaining (and edifying)
I always thought the gull wing doors was the reason that it never took off - but we all have our flights of fancy :-)

[Tom]

Thank you Norman, yes indeed, the 'little' folk crop up every now and again to make their presence known!

[Great Aunt Astri]

Interesting rhyming scheme, and your 'saga' of the hapless hawthorn, and her revenge, reads beautifully. The message is a timely warning to all who see progress at the expense of the natural world.

[Tom]

Too right Great Auntie, meddle at your peril mankind!

Thank you my dear dear!