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June 22, 2021

Solstice Bonus: Seasonal Spells for the Elm Queen


Editor’s note:
The Holy and Oak Kings are probably still locked in battle, as we roll toward the end of the Summer Solstice, but Alicia’s gorgeous poem about all four seasons will keep us in the magical mood. Enjoy this lovely bonus!

 

Winter Requiem


fairy folk gather


beside a fresh grave


snowflakes and tears


glisten on their faces


winged tribe grieves


for the Elm King


 

Spring Equinox


a hillside covered in


bluebells crocus freesia


fragrant blossoms assuage


the Elm Queen’s grief



Sultry Beltane


fairies build a bonfire


the Elm Queen’s mage


tosses herbs on the blaze


smoke smells like magic


and hope they sing ballads


celebrate spring



Summer Solstice


fairy folk link hands


encircle a sacred elm chant


courtship spells songbirds


echo their incantations



Autumn Equinox


fairy folk gather under


a canopy of elm leaves


amidst a storm they paint


symbols on sacred tree


rising gale shrieks a face


appears in the clouds



Lightning Strike


severs the tree trunk


inside the elm a fairy


awakens new Elm King


greets his bride.


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Bio: Alicia Hilton biography: Alicia Hilton is an author, law professor, arbitrator, actor, and former FBI Special Agent. She believes in angels and demons, magic and monsters. Alicia’s recent work has appeared or is forthcoming in Best Indie Speculative Fiction Volume 3, Daily Science Fiction, Demain Publishing UK, Departure Mirror, DreamForge, Enchanted Conversation, Litro, Neon, Sci Phi Journal, Space and Time, Vastarien, Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Volumes 4, 5 & 6, and elsewhere. Alicia’s website is https://aliciahilton.com. Follow her on Twitter @aliciahilton01.


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Image of all for seasons is by Elisabeth Sonrel.





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