In the Fire-Fens

by Cliff Lake

Only a fool walks the fire-fens.
Out there where the senses end.
Some never return again,
From a foolish night in the fire-fens.

This tale begins where it should end:
A brave lad found at loose ends.
An unwise wager made with friends:
A dare to brave the fire-fens.

One night only he should spend,
One night in the fire-fens.
With warm regard these fellows send,
With what fate would he contend?

Sometimes a fool tries the fire-fens,
That vie with the senses of men.
Some are known to return again,
After the night in the fire-fens.

Bravely forth our lad intends.
Bravely to the fire-fens.
Therein he finds what not was kenned:
The very spirit of the fire-fens.

Fire-red tresses she did tend,
And soul-deep eyes that beckoned.
Then all time seemed to suspend,
And the lad was lost to the fire-fens.

Not some fool walks the fire-fens.
Out here where senses contend.
Somehow he’ll return again,
This fool of the fire-fens.

Now our lad bravely attends,
The mysteries of the fire-fens.
Such consumption that she lends!
This mistress of the fire-fens.

To walk toward the fire-fens,
Sometimes is found more than intends.
Not ever certain what it portends,
Nights spent within the fire-fens.

Some fools brave the fire-fens,
Out there where the senses rend.
Some return once and again,
Drawn ever to the fire-fens.

Cliff Lake 1/26/2026
Copyright © Clifford Lake 2026