The Fairy Hole

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Out of town
there's a place
where fairies live.
In the forest
among the quiet and calm.
Step by step up the slope
a snake stands guard.
Birds sing -
the forest is safe.
Blue-headed Vireo and
American Redstart.
Sweet songs for those
who listen.
The descent is steep.
A gorge of rocks,
Gushing water.
Roots and trees -
Nature's way of 
unveiling the path.
Boulders become
stepping stones.
The climb is not for
faint of heart.
Horizon unfolds -
Glistening water.
Take that in.
Gush of water 
​Roars for all to hear.
A waterfall 
with water pure.
Run from the mountain-
rushing home.
Drop by drop.
Each running 
faster than the other.
Tide is high
Layers of soil are higher
Flickering light,
greens, blues, hues of color
Fairies hide in caves
keeping water high
so no one can come near.
They call this the Fairy Hole
It is rather an enlightening spot
Trip home is filled with 
more magical sights.
Bubble polypore and fungus
Ferns pose as fiddleheads.
Woodpeckers hide as if
we would chide their artwork.
All in all such a wonderful place
Where Fairies play
and dance in the night.


The Fairy Hole is a real place - it's in New Campbellton, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and  is now known as the Kluskap Cave Trail as of 2021.