A Forest of Fragments

written by Alyssa Manalili

Rhythm seizes senses first, a thrum that prickles skin

And there ahead, within a camp a figure known as kin.

With birdsong voice, they call and pull, they tempt you to draw near

So come in close and share a fire, for what is there to fear?

What follows is their music soft, a gentle pleasing tune

It guides, it leads, it offers place, beneath the gleaming moon

So sit, so listen, so seek songs sweet and settle by the warmth and heat -

But wait.

A chord is struck, with finger’s flex and story starts to spill

Your racing heart, the snare of breath and suddenly there’s chill

See now the shine of silver thread, and a jagged-tooth type smile

Dread swallowed, not honey sweet—you’re trapped by musician’s guile

They begin to sing.

Take heed for where your feet do tread, for a dreamer’s silk may stray.

It touches skin, and there you are, in a forest among the fey.

And gentle though these strings may be, the tune it plays does strike a fee.

A song of comfort and promised sleep, but when you wake your dreams they keep.

But worry not, for all’s not lost. It’s there among the morning frost.

Light pierces a green canopy, a forest made of pine.

And there it is, a glimmer, coloured glass with fragments sharp that shine.

They hold within a memory—something to recall.

Though beware. Where there is light there’s also shadow, a nightmare and a fall.

Weigh risk upon a set of scales for danger lurks in a selfish clutch

And darkness over all prevails, if hands are cut from a single touch.

A fog will settle where once was clear, and in the darkness, shades appear.

They’ll lurk in sleepers’ corner’s sight, shambling figures from the dead of night.

For what is held is theirs to own, a trade for pleasant dreams they’ve shown.

A theft will lead to trickery, bonds broken—you’ll hear the shatter.

Try to escape, to run, and hide—for nought, it will not matter.

Ahead of you, your frantic gaze, the forest grows into a maze,

and there you’ll be among Unfound in spirits’ realm now stuck and bound.

So still your hands and walk instead

Show respect, and just ahead

Trees curl to form an arch and door, pass through—wake safe on the forest’s floor.

Untouched, unhurt, whole, and sound. Your head rests softly on the ground.

Are you tired? They ask. Then rest.

Let sleep settle in your bones.

Listen, they say. Take comfort.

Follow rhythm, music, tones.

But remember my warning—of the forest and the fey.

There is a path, you must not stray.

Goodnight, sleep tight.

Good luck.

May morning come with gentle light.