Little Girls and Fairies (poem) by Carol Ann Phelan on AuthorsDen

Little Girls and Fairies
by Carol Ann Phelan → (All Poetry by Carol Ann Phelan)
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Rated "G" by the Author.

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Memories...
"Little Girls and Fairies" Left foot, right foot up the hill To a place I know real well, Sitting on a grassy slope Wanting stillness, dreaming hope To be alone; to think sweet thoughts With these sweet forget-me-nots. Allingham's words still touch me much. As Sister Gloria had walked the rows, Holding a wooden ruler to use on us, Seaside convent school seven year olds. "Up the airy mountain,/Down the rushy glen, We daren't go a-hunting/For fear of little men;" We recite in one voice until Jacqueline Jumped up on her desk, and screamed: "Enough of this, 'tis home I'm going!" All of us afraid to move as the nun chased Her around the room! "Look!" I screamed, I screamed real loud Enough to stop the two running around! " 'Tis Bridget floating up in the sky Surrounded by wee folk, she's going by and by." All looked out the window in surprise! A robin redbreast landed on the sill, Looking in, as little girls giggles slowly, Filled the classroom... all silence broken... Sister Gloria straightened her veil. "Jacqueline and Ann come here now!" We walked to the front as ruler was raised... I, looking confused, Jacqueline with a grin! Then the bell went with the knuckle sting Into the playground we did run... Making daisy chains, swinging, see-sawing And in one voice we did recite to perfection, Loud and clear, yes, loud and clear... "Up the airy mountain, down the rushing glen..." These sweet forget-me-nots To be alone, to think sweet thoughts Wanting stillness, dreaming hope, Raising from a grassy slope To a place I know real well, Left foot, right foot down the hill. © Carol Phelan Aebby

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on March 10, 2021

Delightful! I have never stopped believing in "little woodland folks." I used to go looking for them as a child. Love, peace, and best wishes to you, Carol.

Regis 😊🌺🌳🍁🌈

Reviewed by Jane Noponen Perinacci

Reviewed on March 23, 2018

I enjoyed this immensely! Keep these great poems coming!

Love ya!

Jane

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

It's a shame that someone with such beautiful talent in poetry would be so unfairly punished for just the joy of being in class. I want to see more of your amazing lines of verse.

Ron

Reviewed by Susanne Leist

Reviewed on March 21, 2018

I didn't attend a Catholic school, but I can feel the pain in your words. A poem recited as the ruler comes down.

Reviewed by Michael Schafer

Childhood memories brought to life. I enjoyed this poem and story.

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

A uniquely, character driven, story-poem. The imagery plays like cinema. Made me laugh visualizing that nun chasing Jacqueline around the room. The girl had moxie. Those sudden appearances of birds, in my own experiences, can be healthy, encouraging, signs. Enjoyed this very much. Continued inspiration... rlc

Reviewed by John Domino

Reviewed on March 20, 2018

Bittersweet memories I am sure. You packaged it well in poetic fashion. I loved your recollection of it all Carol. I have been hit with a ruler by a few nuns myself. I don't know if I deserved it but it scared me away more then brought me into the faith at that age. My dad beat me terribly both mentally and physically. The movie, "I Can Only Imagine" brought back memories of that place it time. Thank you for sharing.

John Michael