25 Comments
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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

I remember this folktale and being told some version of it in my childhood. But this poem is just wonderful, Trudi, and has a great narrative flow.

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Thank you, Martin! I think I was told of lights that flickered in the bogs when I was a child. It fascinated me.

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

So was I. There was a bog quite near us and it seemed so mysterious and mythical. Now it's a housing estate.

They seem to be able to build on any type of land nowadays... unfortunately!

Trudi Nicola's avatar

That is sad and surely unwise to build on bog land. My great grandfather worked cutting the peat (was it peat?) for fuel.

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

They have all these raft foundations now that are like a giant raft made of metal and concrete, and they build on these. Nothing is precious or sacred any more, Trudi. And it is a huge shame!

Trudi Nicola's avatar

That’s so invasive! I wouldn’t choose to live there.

Michael Newberry's avatar

Fascinating, I had no idea what a Will-O’-the-wisp was, so I read the poem as a riddle, in the first person, asking "what am I?" So I found it puzzling and very engaging because I didn't know the answer even though it is in the title. haha.

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Haha that’s brilliant! Now you know, you know to avoid following strange lights when lost!

Ross Ion Coyle (M)'s avatar

Fabulous poem! I love that kind of folklore! Willow the Wisps are a particular fascination of mine 🙏

Trudi Nicola's avatar

And of mine! Thank you, Ross, for reading this one! ✨🌟✨

Ross Ion Coyle (M)'s avatar

You're very welcome!🙏

Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

Are we being a bit naughty? I love this poem, Trudi, fun fun…

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Haha but those fae lights are full of mischief, Jo-Ann! 😘✨

Brendan's avatar

Careful children, those glitters in the gloom bare teeth! Really well told in a voice behind and below. A good reminder when the bog follows us outside the dream's window.

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Brendan I love your poetic response! ‘Those glitters in the gloom have teeth’. Brilliant! ✨

Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Powerful, Trudi! Now that is atmospheric!

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Thank you so much, Heidi! ✨

Dawn Benedict's avatar

So easy to imagine reading this one around a campfire...and then jumping at every sound the rest of the night. 💞

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Haha yes! I can imagine that, Dawn. ✨

MamaCarole's avatar

Personification at its absolute best.

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Thank you, MamaCarole! I’m pleased you think so 🌟✨

Lori Ann Bloomfield's avatar

Hmmm....maybe I should take your faerie books away from you? And this is exactly why the the fae are moving to North America - they say you folks in the old world are giving them a bad name. lol! Seriously though, I love anything spooky and this hypnotic poem is certainly that. Well done!

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Haha but this one has two guises! I started with the malevolent one! 🧚✨

Shauna K. Hunt's avatar

Perfect!☀️💛

Trudi Nicola's avatar

Thank you, Shauna! I hope you’re keeping well? ✨