The Fairy Green

by Rose Fyleman

THE FAIRY GREEN

Upon the magic green I stood
Within the fairy ling,
Close to the little rustling wood
Where fairies always sing.

I was a little bit afraid,
I kept my eyes shut tight,
While all around they danced and played—
I felt the shining light.

Nearer and nearer still they came,
They touched my dress, my hair;
They called me softly by my name;
I heard them everywhere.

I never moved, I never spoke
(Oh, but my heart beat fast),
And so the little fairy folk
All went away at last,

To-morrow I shall go again
And seek the magic place,
I shall not be so foolish then,
I shall not hide my face.

But I shall stay for hours and hours
Until the daylight ends,
And we shall dance among the flowers
And be the greatest friends.

And I shall learn their fairy song;
And when I come away
Shall dream of it the whole night long
And sing it every day.