Through the Fairy Gate

On the dry heath, people frolic and play,

laughing and lively shouting.

Plenty of movement, much running about,

the children's kite outing.

Gently walking down, to the fairy gate,

the wind drops in the glade.

Approaching the gap, in the spellbound hedge,

the sound begins to fade.

Entering the hedge, haunted leaves above,

an eerie silence to share.

Half a step further, in fairy abode,

a chill hangs in the air.

In charmed centre, of the hidden portal,

dark moister all around.

A tingle running, creeping down the spine,

quiet chill silent sound.

Tiptoeing over, magic causeway path,

fairy power in the air.

The portal across, to the other side,

fairy footpath shady dare.

Slowly stepping out, of fairy portal,

folk are quietly sitting.

Balmy air on cheek, the light breeze returns,

peacefulness permitting.

Copyright Andrew Rea January 2021

Introduction

This poem is written about a Fairy Gate that I found on Hampstead Heath a few years ago and describes what I and others have experienced walking through the portal on a summers day. All the effects seem to be real, changes in wind, sound, temperature, humidity and light. On the other side people are seen to be calmer.

Now most of this can be put down to simple geological science, but for me it's a Fairy Gate.