Most people assume that the unique form of poetry called "faeling-style poetry"
(or sometimes "haiku") was first developed by the faelings, as an unprecedented
fusion of the poetic impulses of the elfen with the fae's insightful perception
of the world around them. Some believe that the fae spoke in poetry of this
sort even before they crossed with the shards of Elfenhoala, but if so, we see
no evidence in the mannerisms of Faethorn today.

What is most striking about faeling-style poetry is its minimalistic brevity.
An entire poem consists of only three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five
syllables, which leads some to think of it as an especially easy style of
poetry. In fact, there is a lot more to a faeling-style poem than its length.
A proper faeling-style poem also includes a reference to the natural world; and
its three lines are each a complete thought or statement, rather than just a
continuation of the previous line. Most faeling-style poems also feature a
twist, an "ah hah!" moment when the reader finds the poem going in an
unexpected direction.

It is still fairly easy to create something that fits these rules. However,
creating an evocative, descriptive, powerful poem in so small a space is a
considerable challenge. A poem might tell a story or make a statement, but a
faeling-style poem cannot afford even to paint a picture in more than a few
brushstrokes. It is up to the poet to find a way to depict in a single image,
a solitary moment of time, such potent conviction and inspiring imagery that
the reader finds for herself the story that surrounds the moment, the statement
that the poem's subject makes, not by what it says but by what it is.

Presented here are a collection of a dozen faeling-style poems, each one
celebrating one of the denizens of the Serenwilde and their prized
contributions to the lore, wisdom, and purpose of the Last Forest.

Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart:
Summer vale maiden,
How rare are your shining smiles.
What is it you sing?

Abeytu, Keeper of the Gardens:
Prickly as thorn trees.
But I see in your gardens
So much gentleness.

Poloma Truehoof:
Sky embraces earth.
Do the stars so love their kin
As you love your colts?

Tokota Snowmane:
Stars dance on warm winds.
Wise eyes strain to see patterns.
Is our future bright?

Goldie the Leprechaun:
How bright is gold's lure.
Luck is an endless pursuit.
Shamrocks on the breeze.

The Nymph of Moon Lake:
Silver river falls;
Splashing spray flirts with the wind.
Kisses and giggles.

Poloma's Three Colts:
Youth never tires.
As Father Sun's endless chase,
Will you never learn?

The Voice of Trialante:
Cadence of the woods.
How I wish to hear your life,
In your swaying song.

Eurytus, Master of the Hunt:
Dusty library:
An odd place for a hunter,
tribal warrior.

Moon Priestess Ridien:
Voice of Mother Moon.
Reverent, somber, serene.
Where is fae's mischief?

Dain, Nature Guide:
Deep in ancient earth,
Roots hide as much as leaves show.
Secrets in your dreams.

Master Osierti:
Harmony of thought,
Spring poised on winter's sharp edge;
Spirit to movement.