The Elf-king

    "Father, do you hear his voice?

Do you see his caped and crowned form?"

 

    "Hush, child, you have nothing to fear;

We're arriving soon, take heart, rejoice."

    Child, do you hear my voice?

Do you see my outstretched arms?

 

    "Father, he wants me to take his hand.

He insists I make a deadly choice."

 

    "Son, close your eyes,

Clasp your hands o'er your ears,

You're glimpsing at fog,

It's owls you hear."

 

    "Father, I see him,

His ashen-white face,

The arms on his back

That grasp all about."

 

    "Child, we're almost there;

If still you're afraid,

Just say a prayer."

    Child, you are mine;

Do not be afraid,

You've finally arrived.

Come to me, child;

Now you're a cautionary tale.