Carved into a grand old tree, a staircase curved around,
The steps led up to dizzy heights, so far above the ground.
And all the grand ball-goers, in sumptuous finery,
Ascended with decorum; ’twas a grand thing, to see!
One tiny fairy watching, breathed, a quite heartfelt sigh,
And could not help a whisper, “Oh, I wish that were I!
To be invited to a ball, to honor Faeries’ Queen,
Would be, to me, a dream come true, most magnificent of things!”
She looked down at her simple dress, of maple leaves, well-worn,
And could not help but feel herself, the smallest bit, forlorn.
But only those of social standing, warranted invite,
To the wondrous celebration, that was taking place, tonight.
She wondered if the Queen decreed, that ever it should be,
Only the special chosen, should attend Her Majesty.
It seemed unfair to all the fae, who loved the Lady, well!
And she decided she would try, to find a way to tell
Her Queen how all the fairy folk, were feeling so neglected.
And how each fairy’s happiness, had sadly, been affected.
She tip-toed up the staircase, when all had ceased to climb,
And slipped into the ballroom, just in the nick of time,
To hide behind a curtain, free from censoring eyes,
And wait for her chance to slip out, and her great Queen, apprise.
She waited ’til the grandest had curtsied, and had bowed,
Before the throne, and told herself, “This is my moment, now!”
And flew and curtsied, ‘fore the Queen, though those around her, stared!
And gasped at such a lowly fairy, daring to come there!
She poured her heart out to her Queen, though inside she was quaking.
She did not know what to expect, and her wee knees were shaking!
The Queen reached down, and gently touched the little fairy, ‘neath her chin,
And said, “Of course, you’re welcome here! Invite the whole wood in!”
The Queen then looked around the hall, at all the snooty guests,
And told them that this little fairy seemed to love her best!
For she knew that her Queen cared much, for all the woodland fae,
And she was sorry that her court had behaved, in such a way,
As to deny the presence of her people, at her ball,
And that was not the way she wished things to be done, at all!
Then she decreed, that evermore, an invitation go,
To every member of the Fae, so each wee heart would know,
That they were loved and valued, and ever shall it be,
And joy reigned then, in Fairyland, thanks to one brave fairy!