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 Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:24 pm
Here some some stories, poems and random thoughts I have put on paper. You are welcome to read them but don't blame me for the nightmares you get afterwards.
You are welcome to post any original writings you have created aswell.
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:25 pm
Our world contains many wonderful beings.
Some beings are often seen and often talked about. They include cats,
dogs, horses, elephants, and so many others we can't count that many.
Some beings are greatly talked about but seldom seen. They include
fairies, angles, dragons, leprechauns, trolls, wizards and many others.
Some beings are seldom talked about and seldom seen. They include
aliens, spirits, big foot, the loch ness monster, and many others.
Many people don't believe these beings exist and some people will
condemn or judge those of us who do. For the record, I believe in all these
beings and many more. They do exist in my world, if only in my heart
and in my mind, they will be with me always.
As children, we believe. We love without condition, and believe without
doubt. We question differences but know no prejudice. Full of
innocence, wonderment, and curosity, we are free of judgement and hate.
As adults, we forget or get to busy. We place conditions on our love
and expect others to change. We doubt without belief, we judge and
condemn differences.
Our lives become so busy that we have no time to laugh, cry, talk or
sing. No time to teach, learn, help, or guide. A lot of people simply
survive, and have forgotten or are too busy, to live.
Human children are our most precious beings. They are our future and
they will shape the world we depend on. They are the reason we exist.
They are the reason all beings exist. They are our inspiration and they
are our teachers. They forgive quicker than anger and forget almost as
fast. They still believe.
Many people believe that a single person cannot make a difference but
you are never a single person. You are a part of a family, of a circle
of friends, of a group of some kind, but you are also a part of my
world. You can make a difference.
If you're an adult, talk to a child, a neighbour, or even a stranger.
Sing along with the radio, read a fantasy book, lend a hand to someone
in need, but most of all, learn to live again.
Remember your childhood and find a way to laugh, love, forgive, and
dream. Accept everyone as they are and don't expect change. Those
differences make our world more interesting. Believe in all beings in our
world, believe in our children, believe in our future, but most of all,
believe in yourself and remember to live.
If you are a child, never stop believing!!!
Joanne McChesney
August 28th, 2001
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:27 pm
Like a Christmas Tree Light.
Christmas, it comes only one time a year,
Presents for children who grin ear to ear,
Their eyes light up bright
Like the christmas tree light,
Their happiness touches us all.
Some children won't laugh and be filled with joy,
On christmas morning when there is no toy,
Their eyes won't be bright,
Like the christmas tree light,
Their unhappiness touches us all.
This christmas please think of the children who,
Without your help will be sad and blue,
Their eyes could be bright,
Like the christmas tree light,
And their happiness will touch us all.
Joanne McChesney.
(greenshamrock)
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:29 pm
To My Online Friends.
I'd like to thanks you each and every day,
For taking time to chat this way,
It really means a lot to me,
To have you there, I hope you see,
You take the time to help me out,
So I don't cry and I don't pout,
It's been so nice to have you there,
My thoughts and feelings, I can share,
The messages that you send,
Make me think, I have a friend,
I think you're really kind of neat,
And also that you're very sweet,
I look forward to chatting with you,
So I won't be so very blue,
You really are a super guy,
And I bet you don't even try.
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:29 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:30 pm
Who Knows?
Thanks to me Dad who passed away in 1995 and loved to say this as I was growing up.
Who knows the nose the shadow blows?
Only the shadow knows who blows his nose.
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 10:24 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:17 am
Tam O'Sham ... Introduction
Tam O'Sham Introduction
This site is devoted to Tam O'Sham ... The Magical Leprechaun and surrounds the life and journeys of this very mischievious, and "Gifted" Leprechaun.
Tam O'Sham is a "Special Leprechaun" and will develop a special gift as he gets older. He is very fast and seems to disappear right before your very eyes. Please join him in his wonderful adventures through the rolling hills and country sides of Ireland.
You can send Tam O'Sham a message or chat with other friends of Tam O'Sham. You can even sign his Friend's Book.
We are always updating Tam O'Sham's pages, so check back here often.
"The Journey Begins" is an introduction to our wee friend and will give you the information on how the "Raith" is calculated. The Raith is the Leprechaun calendar.
It doesn't matter how old you are, as long as you are young at heart. I hope you fall as much in love reading about Tam O'Sham as we did writing about him.
Written By Joanne McChesney
Stories 2 Through 5 Co-Written By Bryan McEldowney
Created by Joanne McChesney
Special Thanks To Mathew McCluskey for creating Orbleigh, The Keeper of the "Cloverstones"
Special Thanks To Jason McCluskey for creating Flerf, "The Forest of Dreams" Guardian
For my mom who has told me to write. Thanks mom!
Slainte
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:19 am
Tam O'Sham ... Part 1 ... The Journey Begins
The journey through Tam O'Sham's life and adventures, begins a long time ago.
The Leprechauns use a much different way of measuring time than we do. Their calendar is called a "Raith". It contains "Staughs" that are very much like our years, and "Gleedoms" that are almost like our days. Their Staughs and Gleedoms are much, much, shorter then our days and years are though. Leprechauns do not have weeks or months like we do. They use the sun to measure the length of their Gleedoms, so they also do not have hours, minutes, or seconds. In human years, Tam O'Sham was born on the afternoon of July 26, 1995. Now in human years, that may not seem so long ago. In Leprechaun years, it is a very, very, long time ago.
On Gleedom 22, in the Staugh of 47894, this wee Leprechaun was born. "The Forest of Dreams", where Tam O'Sham lives, is located near a wee townland called Kinnia in County Cavan, Ireland. Some of the other Leprechauns believe that Tam O'Sham was born on a thick patch of four leaf clovers. Under the giant mushrooms that grow wild, near the end of "The Rainbow Stream". It was so long ago, that none of the wee folks can really remember.
When Tam O'Sham was born, he had tiny, pointed ears and big, green eyes. He had four fingers on each hand and four toes on each foot. He was perfect! The first thing you notice about him, is his bright, red hair. His parents took one look at him, and knew right away, that he was a "Special Leprechaun". As he grows older, he will develop a very special gift. Not all Leprechauns are this lucky though. The wee folks have told me, that only one in every seventy-one leprechauns born, would wind up with one of these special gifts. His Mam and Pap wondered just which special gift, their wee laddie would develop.
Could it be, that Tam O'Sham would be able to heal injured animals in "The Forest of Dreams"? Maybe he would develop the ablility to warn his village when danger was near. Or could it possible be, that Tam O'Sham would be able to create beautiful music from the wind? There are many gifts that "Special Leprechauns" can develop but Tam's parents will just have to wait till he grows a little, to find out.
Each Staugh, Leprechauns receive one gold coin for their celebration. Because Tam O'Sham is a "Special Leprechaun", he receives two coins. He adds these to the crock he keeps hidden in "The Forest of Dreams" near his home. Today Tam O'Sham is 130 Staughs old. That is about 6 human years old. He already has 260 gold coins and it won't be much longer before he will need a bigger crock to hold all his gold.
Tam O'Sham's parents have asked my friend Bryan and I, to write about his life and the adventures he will have. They would like everyone to know about their very special lad and the trials he will face as he develops, and learns to master, his gift.
Tam O'Sham loves to nap under the shade of the giant mushrooms, that grow down by the banks, of "The Rainbow Stream". He loves to hear the birds singing and the crickets softly chirping in the long grass, as he settles down to sleep. Every once in a while, if he is there in the late afternoon, he is lucky enough to hear the enchanting sounds of Shay McKay.
Shay McKay is also a "Special Leprechaun". She is older then Tam by about 240 Staughs. Shay has very long hair that is just as bright red, as Tam's hair is, but she has eyes the colour of saphires. Deep, deep blue like the water in "The Rainbow Stream" and not at all like Tam's big, green eyes. Shay has the gift of music and can turn the breeze into beautiful, enchanting melodies. She even has a music note necklace that contains a dark yellow "Clover Stone". Tam O'Sham is one of her favourite wee Leprechauns and she always makes wonderful music to sooth Tam O'Sham into slumber.
"Clover Stones", like the one Shay wears around her neck, are awarded for lots of different reasons. They are many, many different colours of "Clover Stones" which include red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink and purple. Each colour has a special meaning and diffenernt background shape. Leprechauns can earn a Clover Stone for mastering their special gift but you can earn one for helping someone in need. The rarest is white, and is reserved only for Tam's very special friends. This rare white stone, comes on a diamond shaped background and is the only one that cannot be earned.
When a good deed is done, or a special gift mastered, Orbleigh brings a Clover Stone necklace to award to the person or Leprechaun who has earned it. Orbleigh is "The Keeper of the Clover Stones". He makes them from his own two hands and keeps them safe until they are earned. Orbleigh is just one of many creatures that share the Forest of Dreams with the Leprechauns. You will meet many different creatures in Tam O'Sham's adventures.
If you catch a Leprechaun, you can make them lead you to their crock of gold. It is then yours to keep. But, if they agree to grant you a wish, then you must return it. You have to be very careful though. They will try to trick you so they can escape. Tam O'Sham is very fast and can hide faster then you can blink your eyes. He will try to get you to look behind you and then your search will be spoiled. You will have to start your search all over again from the very start.
If you're a friend of Tam O'Sham, you cannot take his gold and ask him to grant your wish. Tam O'Sham loves to make new friend and would like to become friends with you. Would you like to become friends with Tam O'Sham?
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:20 am
Tam O'Sham ... Part 2 ... My Bestest Friend
Tam O'Sham lives a pretty uneventful life, like most of the Leprechauns in his village do. The Leprechauns are peaceful beings, living in harmony with the forests and the streams. There are dangers to be aware of though, and other creatures both near and far that are sometimes jealous of the Leprechauns. There has been peace for many, many Staughs and Tam spends his gleedoms studying, dreaming, and wondering which special gift he will develop.
Although most special Leprechauns develop their gift by their 120th celebration, Tam has yet to show even the slightest sign, of what his gift will be. This worries Tam a lot, and he can hear the whispers of other Leprechauns his age as he passes by. His Mam and Pap gave him a "Worry Stone" to rub and told him not to worry about it, that he will know his gift when the time is right for him. This gives him some comfort, but lately, Tam wonders if he will ever know. Even his Mam and Pap seem tense and avoid the subject when he tries to ask them about it.
Tam's closest and dearest friend is not a special Leprechaun like him, but that doesn't matter to Tam. Sometimes, special Leprechauns will avoid the regular wee folks, and feel their efforts can be better used elsewhere. Tam's parents have warned him, that some of the others may try to use him, to make their lives just a little better. Some will even pretend to be his friend but are not really interested in him, just his special gift. Tam and Drewey first become friends over 20 Staughs ago.
It was Tam's day to celebrate his birth, and it was a very happy celebration. The Village Square was decorated with ribbons of every colour strung around the trees surrounding the square. Huge bows were placed on every tree aswell. The whole square looked as if rainbows had been created just for Tam. Many Leprechauns had asked for the honour, of helping to prepare the feast. Several worked for two whole gleedoms, just to prepare the vast amount of food that was needed. It was a feast unlike any other this village had seen.
Even an old Troll from the mountain, north of the village, had come to visit and pay his respect. This was a very unusual practice. The Trolls are creatures that visit only with other trolls, and they do not normally like music and dance. The Troll's appearance at the village drew much attention, and small groups gathered to discuss the possible reasons for this visit. It was during this time of happiness, that Tam first met, and quickly grew to like and admire Drewey McLeary.
Tam and Drewey now go every day after study, to The Rainbow Stream. Here they talk and dream, and they listen with wonderment to the melodies of Shay McKay. It is almost hypnotizing. They have their very own favorite place at the rainbow river. A giant mushroom unlike any other, that had over time, become their very own place. It was at this very place, while they were listening to the sounds of music floating through the air from the celebration, that changed Tam's life forever.
On this gleedom, Tam was lying under the shade of the giant mushrooms, listening to Shay McKay as she made beautiful music, just for him. Drewey had walked along the trail that lead from the village, trying to find the source of the enchanting melodies, when he spotted Tam and Shay. "Do ye mind if I listen in?", he asked as he settled himself on the grass beside Tam. "I'm Drewey McLeary", he introduced himself and turned his attention to Shay. After a few more tunes, Shay returned to the celebration in the square, and only Tam and Drewey remained at the stream.
They were lying under the shade of a giant mushroom when Drewey told Tam his story. Drewey's guardians were awarded his care, when he was just newly born, and he's lived with them ever since. Erin and Sean McBride, are the nicest couple in the village and Tam had often heard his parents speak of them. Drewey quickly changed the subject of their talk though, when Tam asked about his parents. They began discussing how strange it was, that an old Troll would come to this celebration. They knew that they should return to the village square, as the feast would soon begin, but wanted just another few moments to themselves.
When they first heard the strange sound coming from a patch of thistle bushes behind them, they had no idea what to think. As the sound grew louder, they knew it was not a Leprechaun making that sound. They were so afraid, they couldn't move a muscle. Their whole bodies frozen with fear. "Drewey what is that?", whispered Tam. Drewey shrugged his shoulders as he replied to Tam's question. "I've no idea and I don't think I want to either." The sound had stopped and quiet came once more to the forest. "Come to think of it, the forest seems awfully quiet", whispered Tam. "Why are the birds no singing?"
They both listened intently for any further sound but all was silent. After many moments that seemed like many Gleedoms, Drewey decided that he, being older then Tam by 17 staughs, should be the braver of the two. He wasn't very brave at all though, but couldn't let Tam see that he too, was afraid. He slowly peeked around the mushroom to see what was making that strange noise. He couldn't see anything except thistle bushes and grass. Tam wasn't so sure he really wanted to know what was there, but decided to sneek a peek aswell.
Just when they thought that whatever it was must have run away, from out of the thistle bushes came that very strange sound again. Only this time it filled the air so quickly that both Tam and Drewey nearly jumped out of their tiny, pointed shoes. It was almost like the shriek of an injured animal but was much, much louder. Too afraid to move, the two friends huddled close together behind the stem of the giant mushroom, hoping whatever that horrible thing was, it wouldn't see them.
After many more moments passed, and no further sound or movement came from behind them, they decided to try another peek. Nothing! Drewey decided they were being silly. Afraid simply because they didn't know what was there. How silly. He was up on his feet now and brushing the moss off his pants. He slowly started to walk toward the thistle bushes as Tam held his breath and watched nervously from behind the safety of the giant mushroom. Or at least he hoped it would be safe there. As Drewey approached the bushes, he was straining to make out any unusual shape or colour among the thistles and found nothing.
"I've got to be closer", Drewey thought to himself as he tried to see through the thistle bushes. He had the most painful memory come rushing back into his mind at that point. He had once fallen on a thistle bush not that long ago, while out playing with his other friends. He can still remember how the thorns felt as they stuck in his skin everywhere. It had taken all gleedom, for the medical Leprechaun to pull them all out. When they were finally all removed from his skin, he had been taken to a very strange looking bathtub which contained a mixture of mushroom fungus and rhubarb stems. He didn't like the smell coming from that awful looking stuff. He vowed never to go near a thistle bush again as he plugged his nose and climbed in the bathtub.
"Drewey, what do ye see?" called Tam from behind the stem of the giant mushroom. "Nothing at all Tam. Whatever was here must have run off", replied Drewey. Now if only he believed that himself, they'd be all set. Maybe that sound they heard was someone else had falling in the thistle bushes like he had when he was a wee bit younger. Drewey thought about the possible reasons why anyone would be that close to a thistle bush when another thought occured to him. Whatever made that sound, was not a Leprechaun. Drewey was certain of that but wasn't certain of anything else at this point. Maybe whoever, or whatever, had fallen into that bush, wasn't there by accident.
The two friends agreed that it was time to return to the square. "Drewey, yer me bestest friend ever", said Tam thinking about how brave Drewey must be to go that close to the thistle, and whatever was on the other side. "Ye'll be with me always, and to prove it, ye and yer guardians shall sit at the front table with me at the celebration," decided Tam. Drewey was truly honoured. It is not every day that a commoner like him, is accepted by a special Leprechaun and allowed to be seated at a front table. "I shall be yer friend for along as ye'd like me to be", Drewey replied and bowed gracefully to Tam to show his thanks.
Together they walked slowly back towards the village. There was no need for talking now, just a comfortable silence. They both knew, they would be friends forever. Tam thought about what a wonderful gleedom this is turning out to be. A new best friend that is so brave, the celebration waiting for him upon his return, and another two gold coins to add to his crock. "What could be better then this?" Tam asked himself. Drewey however, had other things in mind. "Tam's just a wee lad, he canna imagine the dangers he'll be facing. I shall have a keep a keen eye upon him to see no harm comes his way", decides Drewey.
Just who had been behind that thistle bush and why were they after Tam? Drewey decided that, if it took him forever and a Gleedom, he was going to find out.
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 6:31 pm
Tam O'Sham Part 3 - Tam's 120th Celebration.
Tam loves to pass the time, mainly by the banks of The Rainbow Stream. It is a favorite place for many in the village, and is filled with all sorts of animal and plant life. Some of the oldest trees stand along the banks to provide shelter from the hot sun and multi-cloloued flowers grow wild everywhere you look. The aromatic scent of these flowers fill the air, and if you close your eyes, it smells like you are in a great garden. This is the Leprechaun's garden, that nature made for them. There's brightly coloured fish that swim along with you, and many other unusual life-forms that live beneath the clear blue surface. Floating lily pads provide wonderful resting places for many of the smaller creatures, and driftwood often finds it's way to these banks.
From here, it was just a short trip back to the celebration. Tam was looking forward to visiting with the neighboring Troll that had shown up for a visit. He had always been amazed by the Trolls. They were solitary creatures and no-one in the village seemed to know much about them. It was common knowledge, that they kept to themselves. They were very strong, and very protective of their mountain home, but not much else had ever been spoken about them. It was very unusual, that one of them would come down from the mountain, to help him celebrate this special event. There had never been a Troll at a Leprechaun celebration. This was Tam's 120th celebration, and he would be able to spend lots of time finding out while he visited with his guests.
"Drewey", asked Tam, "did ye get a good look at the old Troll?" "A bit of a look Tam, and that's enough for my eyes" replied Drewey, "they certainly don't seem like friendly folk. Ye should be weary round them. Ye do have a fair bit o' gold hidden in The Forest of Dreams, and Troll or not, everyone wants the Leprechaun gold." "But Drewey, Trolls would have no use for Leprechaun gold", replied Tam giving this a wee bit of thought. "All folk have use for Leprechaun gold, even the Trolls." Said Drewey in a mysterious voice, that made Tam wonder if his friend was just trying to scare him.
Entering the village from their favorite trail, Tam and Drewey were soon set upon by the Leprechaun Elders. "Come Tam," yelled Elder Paddy McDonald, "your feast awaits, and we have an important visitor." The village square had been decorated like Tam had never seen before. There were Leprechauns everywhere. It seemed like everyone in the village had come to Tam's celebration. There was a huge table set with high-backed chairs and food was piled so high at every plate, that Tam could barely see the tops. Even the finest wine from last season's harvest had been brought out from the wine storage.
Tam took his place at the table. Mam and Pap were seated on each side of him, with Drewey and his guardians next to Mam. Drewey's guardians are thankful for Tam's friendship with Drewey. After all, their wee lad is a commoner and Tam is special. The special Leprechauns have certain privileges, and it is helpful to Drewey and his guardians, to be called friends of Tam. The elders were all seated in their places at the head table. The old Troll had been seated immediately to the right of Elder McDonald. This was very surprising to Tam. He had been to other celebrations and this spot was always left empty in honor of the Leprechaun Forefathers. They had been the ones that had first come to this land and made a home of it, for all the Leprechauns.
Tam had been told that tale many a time. All the Leprechauns are, from a very early age, taught the history of their land. The struggles with harsh winters and hostile neighbors. And of course, the war that almost wiped out the Leprechauns. That was a bad time indeed, Tam thought, as he sat remembering the stories he had been told. It all seemed so unreal to Tam. He could not imagine the violence of the war. Ever since they had come to the Forest of Dreams many, many staughs ago, life had been peaceful.
The wee folks had come to this region after being driven from their homeland by drought. Their crops had all failed, and the very little food that did grow, was not enough for the entire village. It had been a long search for just the right place to build their new homes. Many gleedoms of searching endlessly, and many miles of tiredless walking, had broght them here. They were at first, welcomed by the Fairies further down the river. Even the mighty Dwarf nation had welcomed the Leprechauns, but the Trolls were not so warm to having new neighbors. Tam had never seen anyone sit at this spot and now it was being taken by a Troll. Of all beings, a Troll.
As Tam patiently awaited permission to start his meal, he glanced over at the old Troll. "Trolls dinna like music and dance", thought Tam. "Why would he come to my celebration and not to any other one?" He was a funny looking creature and resembled a big, old, worn tree. Tam wondered, just why this old Troll had come on this gleedom. His belly began to rumble, quietly at first, but his Mam noticed and glanced over at him. He was so hungry and there was so much food. He wondered why they couldn't just start eating, and do everything else after the feast. Tam's belly began to crowl louder and his Mam became more upset with him. It was not his fault that he was hungry. Sitting here, looking at all this food, anyone else would be starving too.
Elder McDonald rose from the table,and called for silence by raising his hand to the sky. As he spoke, it was in a loud, crisp, and clear voice which is surprising for one his age. "This Gleedom, we have gathered together to celebrate the birth of a Special Leprechaun" and turned towards Tam. "On this gleedom, 120 staughs ago, our village was blessed with this wee lad, and his gift will soon be known throughout the lands." He motioned for Tam to stand and join him at his side. "As is customary for specials, I present ye with these two gold coins", he continued, as he handed the coins to Tam to add to his crock. "Please lift yer steins and join me in wishing Tam O'Sham, a very merry celebration and a long life indeed."
As everyone toasted Tam, he was busy hoping that Elder McDonald was right. Afterall, most of the other special Leprechauns knew, by this celebration, which gift they had recieved. He had no idea what his gift will be and when he thought about it, it made his head hurt, and it made him sad. Tam decided that this gleedom, would be one of happiness, and he would think about his gift more the next gleedom. Every Leprechaun raised their steins and drank to wish Tam a long and happy life.
As Tam and Elder McDonald sat back in their seats, Elder McDonald gave permission for the meal to begin. Tam, and a lot of the others, noticed that not a single word had been said to explain the old Troll or why he had been seated at the head table. Not even a single hint, as to why he come this gleedom either. Elder McDoanld is the Head Elder for Tam's village and made all the decisions for the leprechauns. He would also be the one to decide the seating arrangements that put the old Troll at the head table. "This is very strange indeed" Tam thought to himself. "Why dinna he tell us about him". At this point, Tam decided, he was just too hungry to care.
After the feast was over, and everyone was stuffed to their pointed little ears, with the wonderful assortment of foods that had been prepered just for this gleedom, the tables were cleared off and moved to the side. Just the head table remained so the Elders would be able to remain sitting. I believe the youngest Elder was around 832 staughs old, and they can't stand for very long. The music came next and, along with it, came leprechauns dancing everywhere for as far as the eye can see. Music and dance are very important to the Leprechauns, and they really know how to throw a festive celebration. No expense was spared for this one, just as Elder McDonlad had requested.
Tam handed his gold coins to his mam as he and Drewey ran past the table. This gleedom, he was just a normal lad out dancing and playing amongst the other wee folk. That is until, Elder McDonald and the old Troll approached. Many of the Leprechauns were weary of the old Troll and parted to let them through. "Will ye come with me wee Tam?", asked Elder McDoanld, but it didn't sound like a question to him. It sounded more like an order. Tam wondered if he had done something to be in trouble for. "what can they possible want of me", he thought to himself. "Can I bring me mate Drewey?" asked Tam cautiously as he stared up at the Elder. He was really hoping that Drewey would be allowed to come along aswell. "Nay laddie, we've business needing attending, and ye shall come alone", came the reply from Elder McDonald.
"Business?, I am not old enough for business", thought Tam. He did not like the idea of leaving behind his friend. Drewey was the brave one and Tam felt he needed him there at his side. Elder McDonald had turned towards the forest and was waiting for Tam to follow. As He started to walk, he noticed that the old Troll was following behind. "This has something to do with him. Maybe I will finally be told why the old Troll had come", thought Tam. As he walked along behind Elder McDonald, his thoughts started to get carried away, and he began to feel very much afraid. "Surely an Elder would not put me in any danger. Maybe I did do something wrong." Tam really had no idea what this was all about but, he was going to find out very soon.
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 6:34 pm
Tam O'Sham Part 4 - The Old Troll.
Tam followed Elder McDonald and the old Troll, as they walked away from the village square. They travelled along a little-used trail, grown-over with wild grass and fallen leaves. Tam walked beside Elder McDonald, while the old Troll kept a short distance behind. Tam was amazed by the old Troll's appearance. With skin wrinkled and worn like bark from the oldest tree, the old Troll was a scary sight indeed. A massive head, which sat upon, even more massive shoulders. It was all supported by legs, as big around as Tam's waist. Tam wondered if all the Trolls looked this way. He knew they towered over the Leprechauns, as well as the other beings in this part of the country, but he didn't know if they all looked this worn and scarred.
There have been rumors amongst the Leprechauns, for many staughs, about their neighbours to the north. Rumors of battles and fighting, amongst the Trolls themselves. These rumors had been discounted by the Elders of Tam's village. "After all", they had been told by the Elders, "if there were truth to the rumors, there would be strangers travelling the country side". Tam knew there had been no strangers sighted around his village for many, many Staughs. Not a Troll, Dwarf, or even a Fairy had ventured near.
The more Tam thought about it, the more he came to realize, this itself, is kind of strange. It has been too long, since the Leprechauns had been blessed with visitors to drink and dance with. Too long since traders had marched their wares into the village square. "Tam", Elder McDonald interrupted his thoughts, "I'm sure ye've been wondering why it is, I've asked ye to walk with us, and why we've been honoured with this very special visitor", nodding towards the Troll. They stopped walking and stood under a canopy of trees, out of sight from everyone in the village.
"Tam, our guest is not here by chance," Elder McDonald continued. "He has traveled a long way for a very special reason. He's here for yer celebration and, to ask a favor of all Leprechauns." During Elder McDonald's explaination, the old Troll remained completely still. Not looking either directly at Tam, or at Elder McDonald. Tam was still amazed by the sight of this Troll. He appeared so calm and passive, yet Tam was sure if angered, he would become quite a deadly foe.
"This is Droka, leader of the Trolls to the north of us. He wants to talk with ye Tam and, I've assured him that ye shall answer truthfully and completely. Is this understood?" Tam was dumbstruck. What could this mighty Troll possibly want to talk to him about? He was just a wee lad, just barely at his 120th celebration. "Yes, of course Elder McDonald. I shall answer honestly and completely any question asked of me," Tam replied.
Droka looked straight at Tam as he started to speak. His voice was deep and low. It carried across the air like a feather floating on the breeze but he spoke softly, and Tam had to pay close attention to hear his words. "Wee Tam, I have come this gleedom because you're old enough now, to understand my need of your assistance", began Droka. "You may be the only Leprechaun that has the power to aid me.
Tam stared up at the old Troll, and wondered if he was playing a trick on him. "I canna even tell you what my gift shall be and yet, ye wish me to aid you with it" replied Tam. He clearly did not understand what this was about. "Tam, I know that you're not aware of your gift yet but, you must listen very close", explained Droka. "You may have a gift that is so special, you shall not fully understand it for many staughs. To begin with, let me first ask you this, do you feel that you can trust me?", asked this very strange old troll.
Without realizing, Tam took a step back. He was beginning to feel dizzy with all these thoughts running through his mind. He did not want to anger this huge being and yet, he really had no idea what to say. Slowly Tam looked up into the eyes of this massive Troll and replied, "Droka, I am grateful ye have taken time to attend my celebration. I know it to be difficult for ye to watch the dance and listen to the music since 'tis not to yer liking. With all due respect sir, I've no idea who ye are or what ye want of me."
At this, both the old Troll and Elder McDonald, laughed till tears fell from their eyes. This made Tam even more confused. He had never seen such a site, or heard such a thing. He stood staring at these two charactors, as they carried on, like they were being tickled by millions of feathers. Tam wondered what was so funny and wished he were back in the square with his best friend Drewey, playing and dancing. "'Tis indeed, a very strange day" thought Tam shaking his head, trying to make some sense of all this.
As the laughter eased, Droka began once more to try explaining why he had come this gleedom. "You're a real delight wee lad, but it's time for truth. You have been blessed with a wonderful gift, but you've no idea just how special you may be. I have waited many, many staughs for one to be born with the power to assist me. I was there, when you came to this world 120 staughs ago. I had recieved a message that finally, it may have come to pass. I travelled through the dark from my mountain home, to see for myself, if it were true," explained Droka.
"You see lad, I am not what I appear and there was reason to be seated at the head table during your celebration. I may look like an old Troll to you, and to the other Leprechauns, but I was not born a Troll." Droka stopped talking and after what seemed like forever, took a deep breath before continuing.
"Many, many staughs ago, I was out for a walk in this very forest when I came across a mighty wizard. She said if I agreed to provide her with all the Leprechaun's gold, she would allow me to live peacefully for ever more. I refused of course and she placed a curse upon me. I tried very hard to find my way with my eyes closed. You see, I would transform into the first creature I set eyes upon and tried to return to my village. I bumped into something and opened my eyes, thinking it was a tree. Well it wasn't a tree at all, but was almost as large." Droka fell silent as if remembering that gleedom. "You see Tam, I was born a ..."
"Stop right there", yelled Elder McDonald. Both Tam and Droka spun around to find Elder McDonald, holding Drewey by the scruff of the neck. "Drewey", why did ye come here?" asked Tam. "I thought ye might be in trouble Tam, so I came to make sure yer fine", replied Drewey. "This big old Troll dinna look so kind and I thought, maybe, ...", but Drewey never finished the sentance. He stood staring down at the ground beneath his feet, wondering what would happen to him now. He knew he was in deep, deep trouble for spying on an Elder. "I shall deal with you back at the village, now be off with ye", Elder McDonald ordered in a very stern voice. Both Drewey and Tam knew that meant punishment for Drewey.
"Now back to business Tam", said Droka. Tam was still trying to figure out what this was all about. He glanced from Elder McDonald to the old Troll, who was not a Troll at all, searching for answers. Tam knew that it wouldn't be polite to ask just what this Troll really was. "Will you help me, if I explain this gift I believe you may have?", pleaded Droka.
Tam thought this over as Droka patiently awaited his response. "I am not a man yet," thought Tam. "Well if nothing else, I may finally find out about my special gift." Besides, he did not want to anger Droka. He has been kind to Tam so far but, without knowing what Droka really was, he decided to play it safe. "I shall be honoured to assist ye in any way I can, though I still canna imagine how", Tam replied as he glanced quickly from Elder McDonald to Droka. He wanted to see their expressions. Droka extended his hand in friendship, and Tam reached up to accept this gesture. Tam's whole hand didn't even fit around one of Droka's fingers. "You shall soon enough wee lad, you shall soon enough."
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Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:09 pm
Although I didn't write this, it is oddly comforting to read.
Remember when you ran away
And I got on my knees
And begged you not to leave
Because I'd go beserk
Well you left me anyhow
And then the days got worse and worse
And now you see I've gone
Completely out of my mind
And they're coming to take me away ha-haaa
They're coming to take me away ho ho hee hee ha haaa
To the funny farm
Where life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to see those nice young men
In their clean white coats
And they're coming to take me away ha haaa
You thought it was a joke
And so you laughed
You laughed when I said
That losing you would make me flip my lid
Right? You know you laughed
I heard you laugh. You laughed
You laughed and laughed and then you left
But now you know I'm utterly mad
And they're coming to take me away ha haaa
They're coming to take me away ho ho hee hee ha haaa
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they're coming to take me away ha haaa
I cooked your food
I cleaned your house
And this is how you pay me back
For all my kind unselfish, loving deeds
Ha! Well you just wait
They'll find you yet and when they do
They'll put you in the A.S.P.C.A.
You mangy mutt
And they're coming to take me away ha haaa
They're coming to take me away ha haaa ho ho hee hee
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to see those nice young men
In their clean white coats
And they're coming to take me away
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they're coming to take me away ha haaa!
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Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:14 pm
I didn't write this sequel either but it fits nicely here.
Remember when they took me
To the funny farm
For acting like a lunatic
Because you ran away?
HAH?
Well that was many years ago
And now at last they?ve let me out
I?ve finally made them think
I?m perfectly sane
BUT...
They?re coming to get me again, haha
They?re coming to take me away again, hee hee, ho ho
To the looney bin
Where life was ludicrous all the time
And I?m just crazy about
Those big strong goons
With their clean white necks
?Cause they?re coming to get me again, HA-HAAA!
I thought you were my friend
And so I trusted you
Believed in you
The day you swore you?d always be my pet
BUT...
I trusted you, you know I did
I did, I really did
But then you hit
And I?m not really totally cured
SO...
They?re coming to get me again, haha
They?re coming to put me away again, hoo hoo, hey hey
In a rubber room
With fleas and cowards and burping nerds
And pimple poppers who sweat and snear
And squiggle and speeze and squirt
And they?re coming to get me again, HA-HAAA!
I scrubbed your toes
I cleaned your cage
But all you ever did was pay me back
With cruel unloving selfish deeds
YES...
Well now I?m free
So just wait
I?ll find you soon
And when I do I?ll swing you by your tail you hairy ape!
AND...
They?re coming to get me again, haha
They?re coming to take me away again, hee hee, ho ho
To the looney bin
Where life was ludicrous all the time
And I?m just crazy about
Those big strong goons
With their clean white necks
?Cause they?re coming to get me again, HA-HAAA!
To the rubber room
With fleas and cowards and burping nerds
And pimple poppers who sweat and snear
And squiggle and sqeeze and squirt
And they?re coming to get me again, HA-HAAA!
To the looney bin
Where life was ludicrous all the time
And I?m just crazy about
Those big strong goons
With their clean white necks
?Cause they?re coming to get me again, HA-HAAA!
To the happy home
With trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers...
To the funny farm
Where life was beautiful all the time
And I?ll be ha-a-appy...
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Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2005 9:31 am
That was LONG!!!
Am I allowaed to write dark, REALLY dark poetry?
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