Faerie Rings

Faeries often dance in circles
in the grass which are called
faerie rings and this spells danger
for the human passerby.
The wild enchantment of the faerie
music can lead him inexorably
towards the ring which,
like a faerie kiss or faerie food
and drink, can lead to captivity
forever in the world of Faerie.
If a human steps into the ring,
he is compelled to join the
faeries in their wild prancing.
The dance might seem to last only minutes,
or an hour or two, or even at most
a whole night but in fact the normal
duration would be seven years
by our time and sometimes longer.
The unfortunate captive can be rescued
by a friend who, with others holding
his coat-tails, follows the faerie music,
reaches into the ring (keeping one foot
firmly outside) and pulls the dancer out.

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