MoonShrine

MoonShrine

Deep in the dales of Halleck
Lie the ruins of a great shrine
And there stands an altar
Carved of pure white stone
This is a place of moon-magic
Meant for women alone
But few are those that venture
To place offerings upon the stone

It's said that when the moon's full
The shrine glows with pale light
And on those nights are granted
A maidens most true desire
But danger lies in the old lore
No gift is without price
And those that dare the old ways
Oft pay with their very life

If you visit the dales of Halleck
And happen upon the shrine
Play not with the forces there
Nor speak your innermost thoughts
Beware the gifts of those long gone
You maidens who dare tread
The paths walked by the old ones
Deep in the Moon-Goddess Shrine

With deep respect to the late great Andre Norton whose "Witch World" novels inspired this poem.