Moon Dew Wine

I followed a horn through the hawthorn shade

Where moon on the grass like a pathway laid

The hill mouth breathed and the fire shone through

And someone laughed where no wind blew

Her fingers curved on the silver brim

And moonlight leaned where she beckoned me in

Harp notes curled through the lantern fire

And every note rose like desire

Her laughter drew like a hooked gold thread

And wiser hearts than mine were led

Moon dew wine

Darkly sweet

Fire and frost where our pulses meet

Moon dew wine

Spell and sign

I lost my name in moon dew wine

She named the price with a softened blade

I laughed, “Your Majesty, poor trade—

You call it loss, I call it home.”

And drained the silver cup to foam

Her laughter drew like a hooked gold thread

And wiser hearts than mine were led

Moon dew wine

Darkly sweet

Fire and frost where our pulses meet

Moon dew wine

Spell and sign

I lost my name in moon dew wine

The lanterns reeled, the old floor swayed

Her laughter wove a geas well-laid

I felt the years fall off like rain

And danced as though I’d no mortal name

Moon dew wine

Darkly sweet

Fire and frost where our pulses meet

Moon dew wine

Spell and sign

I lost my name in moon dew wine

“Child…

we have been calling you all along.”