Counterspell
A villanelle

For Fernando

I battled the forest of briars and rue.
Nothing good grows there, none for a bouquet.
I endured the piercing of thorns for you.

I walked through herbs ripe for witches’ brew.
I trampled on mandrakes newborn that day.
I battled the forest of briars and rue.

Carnivorous plants watched as I passed through,
Their glittering poisons ready for prey.
I endured the piercing of thorns for you.

Hemlock beckoned me. Wolfsbane tempted me, too.
They knew I once was drawn to death’s decay.
I battled the forest of briars and rue.

Ivy snaked in my path but I stayed true.
I stumbled yet continued without delay.
I endured the piercing of thorns for you.

My love for you strengthened me anew.
It inspired me to keep on my way.
I battled the forest of briars and rue.
I endured the piercing of thorns for you.