Inspired by F1. 12 and F2.12

Give and Take

Do they approach on battlefield, or appear
in rooms in darkest night?

Do they take, or do we give,
then glibly fib and flitter, cry “no,”
or ask why?

Does it matter when or how?
Werewolf, beast, fairy, or something else that bides
to pull our children from our sides—

we shut our eyes and let them go,

a sacrifice for king, country, gods–
a barter for food or fortune,
peace sans grace.

Paul Brookes is hosting a month-long ekphrastic challenge using folklore images to celebrate the launch of his new poetry collection, “As Folktaleteller.” You can see the images here and also read the other responses.