Fox Footprints/Bewitched

by Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

For works with similar titles, see Bewitched.

Bewitched

He is fox-bewitched! he is fox-bewitched!Running and stumbling among the trees!A band of blood flows across the skyThe brambles catch at his weakening knees!There in the hollow the fire-flies swarm,Fires of torment to burn and sear!Padding unheard on his crashing flightTen thousand foxes follow near!

Here is his home he thinks, hope growsAs he flees to the doors that show so dark—But the whispering woods draw near to seeHim tear his hands on an old tree's barkAnd the pool of blood across the skyDies out to a night owl's choking cry.