“The Goblin King and the Sea-Messenger” by Jane Beal

“Let’s dance! Put on your red shoes,
and dance the blues …” ~ David Bowie, “Let’s Dance”

THE GOBLIN KING AND THE SEA-MESSENGER

When I was young,
and lost in the labyrinth of my dreams,
I was in love with the Goblin King.

The Goblin King! The Goblin King!
I was in love with the Goblin King.

He stole one baby and then another.
Death was all their disappearing.
I could not catch their souls, like birds, flying.

I called their names, I called their names!
Not one of them was answering.

All over the hills I ran
and hid in oak trees older than man,
always dreaming, never remembering.

Set me free from this misery,
I prayed as I laid awake at night,
and my house broke in half.

My house, my house, my house
broke open to the sky!

From heaven, I heard a mysterious song
and a light was all around me!
Then my fear was drowned in the sea.

The sea is always calling me to dive down
and capture pearls, white and shining.

My child-soul is surrounded by oysters,
as I sit on the sandy beach and play,
until the Messenger who walks on water

reaches my side, visible,
with kindness in his eyes.

Jane Beal
Sunflower Songs (2012)