An Arboreal Nightmare

Introduction

This is an almost frightening illustration by Arthur Rackham, shared by The Enchanted Booklet on Facebook. The full explanation can be found in the link, but the words on the picture are from a Somerset folk poem/

The music is "Night Of Fear" by The Move

An Arboreal Nightmare

There is an iron fence, but trees are supposed to stay in their place; these are moving and seem to be full of vengeance. Loggers had chopped trees down for winter fuel, but these are not standing for it.

I know in the play "Macbeth" Birnham Wood came to Dunsinane, and this wood is coming for us. The Elm is grieving the fallen trees, and the Oak is filled with anger. The Willow walks most easily, and the Yew brings fatal poison to humans.

It is night.

We hope the iron fence can keep the vengeful trees out; if it is not strong enough, then we will be lost to the trees, either crushed under their branches and trunks or poisoned by the venom that they bring.

If you hear no more from me, you know the trees have taken their vengeance.