#Poetry ‘The Riddle of the Insane Owl’ by Fiza Pathan

The Riddle of the Insane Owl

By Fiza Pathan

O look, who have come to visit this owl in her cage – three dandies and one little chick of the yellow feather.

See how they spin a yarn upon my leaning eardrum, fancy-fancy just look at the large screech-owl’s toothless grin.

Fancy-fancy look at me, my lovers hate me while my enemies bless me,

Goblins and ghouls wish me luck while I rhyme with you tonight.

I know all the potions and spells of Merlin’s old miracle handbook,

O look how I brew a tasty dish for you, with lizard tails and cobwebs, with moths caught in the snare of a thread.

Magic potions shall this wise owl sell to thee, goodies in your pouch I will take so may it be.

Silver I can turn to gold, alchemy is running through my bird brain nerves

The cauldron is up to the brim with the venom of many snakes, with soap froth and dental floss to add to the delicious taste.

Fancy-fancy look at me, the Queen of madness I must be – well if you are lucky you may cure yourself instead, by riding into my brown eyes

Come on now dandy fellow, look into my eyes and pray.

Golden and red apples do I cut as food for us witch-like people tonight,

Satan shall be the greedier one so hurry fast – up and eat.

Mercy don’t thank me for a coin of gold during Lent,

Beg you my beggarly lot for more this treasure of riddles

That comes forth from the insane owl.

Image courtesy: Google Images (for representative purpose only)

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