Home » Poems » Stephen Washam » Banberry Wine

Banberry Wine

One day ‘cross the meadow by Diggory Spring
I saw an amazing and curious thing
A wee little fellow no bigger than that
Was puffing a pipe blowing smoke through his hat

He had a small bottle of something to drink 
And he took a big gulp with a sly little wink
He said “It is late and I really must go”
“If you like, follow me where the banberries grow”

“When midnight rolls ‘round at the end of the day”  
“It’s then that the wee folk will come out to play”
So I followed him down to a wee wooded dell
And sat down beside a small sparkling well

There in the dell was a beautiful flower
Which opened as night reached the twelve o’clock hour
Inside several fairies stepped out and took flight
They sparkled and glowed in the darkness of night

Then other bright blossoms soon opened up wide
And the sky was soon filled from the fairies inside
They danced and they sang underneath the bright moon
While a small elfin band played a magical tune

The wee little fellow that I’d followed there
Was cooking up something, its smell filled the air
He said “Come here friend, taste the fruit of the vine”
Then he gave me a glass full of banberry wine

Then being quite thirsty I took a big quaff
My head started spinning as he started to laugh
Then I became weary and sleep filled my eyes 
I finally woke up to a glowing sunrise

I looked all around to see what was about
But nothing was there as I gave a loud shout
It must have been just an illusion it seemed
The wee folk had only been something I dreamed

But as I continued on looking around
I saw in the grass something there on the ground
A small empty bottle with a sweet fruity smell
Was lying right next to me there in the dell

So friends if you’re ever by Diggory Spring
And spot a wee fellow then don’t say a thing
Just hurry away and heed these words of mine
If he offers, don’t drink of his banberry wine

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.