The Banshee in the Olive Grove
A banshee in the olive grove,
Was calling in the wind,
Screeching like a hound of hell,
And by the cold chagrined,
The noise a perfect racket,
Projecting through the night,
Echoing among the trees,
Beneath the grey moonlight,
The valley was a massive hall,
A vast acoustic space,
To amplify the banshee’s cry,
And caterwauling base,
And over on the hillock,
Far back set from yonder stream,
A fairy slept within her bed,
Enthralled within a dream,
She woke as though by magic,
Disgruntled by the noise,
And tip-toed past her fairy floss,
And box of wind-up toys,
I say, what is that awful howl,
Resounding through mine vale?
It’s near enough to rouse the cat,
Or irritate my snail!
I daresay this is some wry joke,
Or devastating prank,
To cause the warty frogs to flee,
The neighbour’s septic tank,
I certainly will prime my wings,
With one small cup of tea,
Then race apace to find the face,
That sprouts this misery!
So gentle Iridessa,
Then batted her bright wings,
And flew into the nether gloom,
Beyond her fairy rings,
It’s coming from the olive grove!
She duly ascertained,
I note that ululating throat,
Is raspy and inflamed,
I’ll find a spot of honey,
And lovely lemon too,
Then brew it up, with boiling tea,
And tame this rude snafu,
So thoughtful Iridessa,
Prepared her helpful brew,
By mixing it within a pot,
She sometimes used for stew,
She zoomed into the olive grove,
And found the yowling voice,
“I say put that foul sound away,
And sip on something noice”
The banshee hesitated,
Then looked at her in awe,
Milady, I shall take this cup,
In my prodigious claw!
And thusly, lifting up the drink,
The banshee drank his fill,
And said, within a gulp or two,
He didn’t feel so ill,
Iridessa beamed with pride,
And said with dancing feet,
“It pays to help a brother out,
Or anyone you meet!”
Quite so my dainty, winged friend,
Your words are perfect fair,
Then Iridessa sped away,
Into the crystal air,
The banshee, slaked and satisfied,
Retired with a burp,
And softly settled down to sleep,
With not another chirp…
AD Lovkis, 19/05/25
adamdaniel 