As the moon folds on itself

And the sky turns to dark,

The merry men cease their silly songs

And the witches come out to play.

 

Cackle high, cackle low

And all the flowers grow

Up into the trees, high up through the sky

Where rest the weary heads of you and I.

 

But we are awoken by howling so fierce

And tumbling to the ground we go:

Spiral down the rabbit hole,

And pop goes the weasel.

 

Feel a finger on a shoulder

Clawing down your back.

Oh hush now little lamb-

Don't talk back.

 

The witch will tease and taunt you

While you writhe against the chains

To the beat of falling rain

Again, again, again!

 

Cackle low, cackle high

Look how quick the flowers die

Wither and twist, crying through the mist

As you forget the ones you've kissed.

 

"No, we don't enjoy this,"

Said the wicked little bitch,

"But it's in our hearts and souls my dear,

We've got a scratch to itch."

 

Fingernails and toes, nails and little stubs

Don't forget to clean behind your ears:

Scrub a dub dub

Scrub a dub-- sorry-- you've missed a spot of blood.

 

Suddenly, alone, you smell a drop of jasmine rot

Reminds you of some silly things you thought you had forgot:

The taste of ginger brew, the start of something new--

When I walked through the door.

 

Cackle soft, cackle loud

"Why you are much too proud!"

I said to you and ran away.

Over my shoulder I cried, "Though we may meet again someday!"

 

Years go by and your hair turned white

While mine to black turned.

Fond memories you soon forget

Till I walk through the door…

 

I'll bring you back and-- just like that--

Your blood runs warm once more.

 

Cackle loud, cackle soft

Ignore the ones who scoffed

When I told you what I give,

When I told you you would live.

 

It doesn't matter who, how, why, I gave

An unimportant soul in exchange,

For I brought you from the grave.

And you should really be grateful dear

For Hell is cold this time of year.

 

Cackle true, cackle long

What a silly little song

You sang when the moon was full.

 

But the night is over now and here I must

Remain.

Wait for the tides to rush from the shore,

So I can find you hiding once more:

 

Hiding from truth, hiding from youth

You stupid, superstitious creature.

Accept what you are given and take it with a smile.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Stop acting like a child.

 

The world is kind to those who take it

Mold it, shape it, and fully remake it.

And that is what I do for you.

That is why this heart beats blue:

 

Cackle long, cackle true

Here is the place where I love you.

-Alison Belle Bews (2016)