Amidst the glowing gossamer of summer’s dawn

The nymphs and forest folk welcome a traveling Faun

Who wishes for the winsome and the whistful Fae

To steal away a spell, to join in his merriment for a day

But suspicious Fairy Folk are oft unkind to strangers

They do not heed to wishing wanderers or rangers

Dangerous are they — wood nymph, trow, brownie, boggart, and sprite

When alarmed, they arm their defenses, small but frightful — full of might

Once a playful Fae senses mischief in his sylvan lair

No manly beast, no child or pet, no simpleton or bear

Can hope for fairness as the treat for their trespass

But may expect tricks, terrors, flies in their hypocras

And this is how our demigod, the satyr, was so entreated

Untamed, unbridled, the Fae would have the Faun defeated

Their ire without mercy, their mischief without care

They tripped and trapped him in their pixie snare

The Faun pleaded for them to hear his panpipe song

But fairies aren’t tricked by melody, no one or throng

They thrive on chaos, vengeful, cruel, and too, on dread, desire

Our feckless Faun’s famed charisma could not quell their fairy fire

So it was the Fairy Folk made twisted fun and games

They lit their cloven interloper up in many tiny flames

Their vigorous vexation was spent with great delight

The scent of veal went unconcealed that fateful, hateful day.