I saw you here, in the woodland clear
saw your cloak of leaves and grass,
I called your name, but you hid in shame,
and in silence watched me pass.
I drank of 'The Wisdom of all the World'
from your Lady's Limpet Shell,
Then she laughed, and called me a Child of the Woods
who must stay in her leafy green dell.
Green Man, I can see, you will set me free,
call your Spirits out there in the Wild,
I must journey far, where the Mortals are,
or remain as a Woodland Child.
You've watched me here, with the grazing deer,
while young saplings have grown into trees,
But you know that I've seen, through your hidden green
that I've heard your voice on the breeze.
Won't you break the Spell, of the Limpet Shell,
of your powerful companion in Green,
Then you'll go in peace, with your Soul's release,
and remain 'til forever.............unseen.
by
Shirley Frances Winskill 1997
Note: according to Legend, the 'Green Lady' possessed a cup, in the form of a blue Limpet Shell, which contained 'The Wisdom of all the World.'
