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- The Song of the Mandrake Queen
- The simple folk of Ponyville
- From whence this story hails
- Derive a certain perverse thrill
- From dark and spooky tales
- In quiet whispers, some may tell
- Of evil they have seen:
- A vision from the pits of Hell,
- The dreaded Mandrake Queen
- A banshee made of twisted wood,
- Her eyes are jet black holes
- She stalks the righteous, hunts the good,
- And gobbles up their foals
- And ponies claim that late at night
- Whilst having pleasant dreams
- They have been woken in a fright
- By shrill and monstrous screams
- Invariably the next day
- When folks have heard that sound
- A foal, they’ll say, has run away;
- But they are never found.
- But she was not always that way,
- That dreaded, demon mare;
- Pure evil walks by light of day
- And takes one unaware
- So gather friends, for now’s the time
- As nights grow cold and long,
- To hear this cautionary rhyme:
- The Mandrake Queen’s sad song.
- CANTO I
- Across the bridge and down the roads
- As cobbles turn to loam
- Just past the pond with croaking toads
- There stood a lonely home
- And in the home there was a mare
- Whose days were full of toil
- She cultivated carrots there
- In dark and fertile soil
- Her cutie mark was just the same
- As her delicious crop
- It even did inspire her name:
- They called her Carrot Top.
- She led a very simple life
- Monotonous and dull
- Enduring hardship, pain, and strife
- For one most noble goal
- Her dreary life had but one light
- One reason to exult
- One thing that made the sun shine bright:
- A darling little colt
- She was his mom, and he her son
- Though she was no one’s wife
- She worked until the day was done
- To win her son's good life
- He was an energetic boy
- Quite perfect in and out
- He brought his mother pride and joy
- His name was Carrot Sprout.
- Yet their horizon held dark clouds
- For just beyond their farm
- Beneath the forest’s leafy shrouds
- Was one who meant them harm.
- It started on one bright fall day
- As leaves were turning red
- When little Sprout was made to stay
- At home, quite sick in bed
- His mother did not feel concern
- The flu was all it was
- But as his fever came to burn
- It gave his mother pause
- When, after resting one whole day,
- Poor Sprout was still so ill
- She knew that she would have to pay
- A hefty doctor’s bill.
- She opened wide her dusty purse
- And laid her money bare
- She sighed and mumbled out a curse
- She could not pay for care
- As Carrot Sprout whimpered and cried
- While in his bed he laid
- She knew she’d have to squelch her pride
- And beg the doc for aid
- She made the long trip into town
- And found the doctor there
- She set her threadbare coin purse down
- And pleaded for his care
- The small-town doc was old and gray,
- He also was quite kind
- He promptly set off without pay
- To see what he could find.
- Upon arriving at her stead
- The doctor tasted fear
- The young colt’s tongue was crimson red
- His illness then was clear
- He prayed that it was not the case
- Ran all the tests he could
- They failed, and so he had to face
- An outlook far from good
- He told the colt he’d be okay
- And patted his sweet head
- He did not have the heart to say
- The child would soon be dead
- But still, the mother had to know
- Her son’s impending doom
- He tried to blunt the heavy blow
- With tactful, kind aplomb
- His tone was gentle as he spoke
- He was direct, not vague
- But still the farmer's poor heart broke
- At news of foul Red Plague.
- The weeping mare fell to the floor
- Her agony was pure
- Through sobs she managed to implore
- The doc to find a cure
- The doctor swore to do his best
- To save the colt from harm
- Advising liquids, soup, and rest,
- He left the carrot farm.
- CANTO II
- The doctor diligently sought
- A cure for Carrot Sprout
- But soon it seemed ‘twas all for naught
- And time was running out
- He wrote to colleagues far and wide
- Read all the books he had
- He looked and searched, but none supplied
- Salvation for the lad
- The doc's poor wits were near their end
- And worked right to the bone
- When he received word from his friend
- In distant Griffonstone
- It seemed the griffons had a brew
- For Red Plague and its ilk:
- Three cups of frost salts, cold and blue
- Mixed with some buttermilk
- While those two things were common fare
- The potion needed more
- Its final part was very rare
- And steeped in myth and lore:
- Born from the hearts of windigos
- That brim with icy chill
- A flower grown in bitter snows,
- The Crystal Daffodil.
- But some old griffons had the skill
- To find the bloom of ice
- They’d ship some off to Ponyville
- If paid the proper price
- The letter then went on to state
- The flower’s crushing cost
- The doctor knew at that high rate
- That Carrot Sprout was lost
- For Ponyville was not a town
- Imbued with massive wealth
- And none could put the money down
- To save the young lad’s health
- He set the letter to the side
- And though his stomach churned,
- He went to solemnly confide
- The news that he had learned.
- Meanwhile, the carrot-farming mare
- Was doing her utmost
- To stop the sick child in her care
- From giving up the ghost
- Her many friends did what they could
- To aid her in this task
- They came because their hearts were good,
- She didn’t have to ask.
- Sprout’s kindly friend from down the way
- Brought water from her well
- And came to help him pass each day
- Her name was Sweetie Belle
- Though weak and sick, young Carrot Sprout
- Did not fall to despair
- He’d smile and laugh, he’d joke and shout
- While in his sweet friend’s care
- And when poor Sprout needed to sleep
- She left most gracefully,
- She crept downstairs without a peep
- And joined his mom for tea
- As they were sharing their Earl Grey
- A rap came on the door
- The doc arrived with much to say
- About the bitter cure
- And when he shared the sky-high rate
- To get what Sprout would need,
- The farmer’s heart was filled with hate;
- She cursed the griffons’ greed.
- As Carrot Top began to cry
- The doctor hugged her tight,
- But Sweetie wouldn’t let Sprout die;
- She swore that she would fight!
- She let the grieving mother be,
- And headed home with haste,
- For if she wanted victory
- There was no time to waste
- Though nobody in Ponyville
- Alone was rich enough
- Together, they could pay the bill
- It wouldn’t be that tough!
- And so the noble Sweetie Belle
- Embarked on her bold quest
- To end her good friend’s living hell
- And let the poor colt rest.
- CANTO III
- Young Sweetie gathered up her friends
- And shared the plan she’d made
- To satisfy her lofty ends
- She needed both their aid
- And when she told them what to do
- To help the colt in need
- Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo
- Quite happily agreed
- The kindly trio set about
- Preparing their campaign
- They crafted slogans they could shout
- To maximize their gain
- And when the sun’s first golden ray
- Came heralding the dawn
- They set out quick and seized the day
- Their fundraiser was on!
- They knocked on every single door
- Hit every merchant’s stall
- “Save Carrot Sprout!” they did implore
- To ponies great and small
- And soon they found, to their surprise,
- Bits filling up their cart
- For Sweetie, with her sad, sad eyes
- Could melt a frozen heart
- And when the day was growing old
- Their fundraising was done
- They marveled at their pile of gold
- That gleamed beneath the sun
- Triumphantly, the fillies went
- To Carrot Top’s chateau
- They laughed and sang with merriment
- Their hearts were all aglow
- For nothing in this world contends,
- As all can plainly see,
- With bringing hope to downcast friends
- Through generosity.
- They knocked on Carrot Top’s front door
- And showed her their surprise
- The farmer’s jaw dropped to the floor
- And tears came to her eyes
- The fillies told her of their quest
- To help her save her son
- She quelled the sobs within her breast
- And deeply thanked each one.
- Soon Sweetie’s friends excused themselves
- They had somewhere to be
- And Carrot Top ransacked her shelves
- To find her finest tea
- The farmer and the filly sat
- And sipped at their hot brew
- They laughed and had a lovely chat
- As good friends often do
- Soon Sweetie went bearing a smile
- To visit Carrot Sprout
- And Carrot Top worked for a while
- To count the money out.
- She counted stack by golden stack
- More than she’d ever seen
- The sheer amount took her aback
- She felt quite like a queen
- But as she counted, she felt fear
- Arising in her soul
- Could even this cash see her clear
- To pay her bill in full?
- At last she set the money down
- And choked up, lost for words
- The alms of the entire town
- Could not pay off those birds.
- Sure, she was close, but not quite there
- Just what was she to do?
- To save the young colt in her care
- Her options now were few
- When Sweetie said bye for the day
- She smiled and stroked her mane
- She did not have the heart to say
- Her efforts were in vain
- And once young Sprout was tucked in tight
- With much water to drink
- His mother stole into the night
- To walk around and think
- She did not care as she went ‘round
- It all was just the same
- She cast her gaze down at the ground
- And wandered without aim
- But soon she gave a frightened gasp
- And looked up just to see
- That she was in the forest’s grasp
- This was the Everfree!
- The woods beyond her house, she knew
- Were dangerous at night
- For monsters slithered, sneaked, and flew
- And sought some prey to bite
- She did her best to keep her cool
- And head back to the east
- She prayed she wouldn’t meet a ghoul
- Who’d have her for a feast
- She’d nearly reached the forest’s edge
- When something caught her ear
- A calm voice coming from a hedge
- Called out, both loud and clear
- “Oh please my child, please hear my rhyme,
- I do not mean you harm
- I’ve watched you now for quite some time
- Down on your carrot farm…”
- CANTO IV
- The strange sound coming from nearby
- Gave Carrot quite a scare
- She looked around, searched low and high,
- And stammered out “Who’s there?”
- “Come closer, child, and speak with me,
- For I know all about
- The deathly crimson malady
- Afflicting Carrot Sprout…”
- The farmer’s heart skipped quite a beat
- At mention of her child
- Though instinct told her to retreat,
- She stepped into the wild.
- The soothing voice, it led her on
- As gentle as a breeze,
- And soon enough she came upon
- A clearing in the trees
- The ground was covered with a plant
- Of very ill repute
- Its leaves hung in a drooping slant;
- They called it mandrake root
- When uprooted, the stories said,
- The mandrake, without fail,
- Would knock a foolish pony dead
- With one ear-piercing wail
- But stranger still, the form it took
- Could chill a pony’s soul;
- Its twisted roots would often look
- Just like a little foal!
- And at the clearing’s very core
- A worn stone altar stood
- It bore the evil runes of yore
- To ward off light and good
- Poor Carrot shook in fearful dread
- At this corrupted place
- But still she forged on straight ahead
- To see what she must face.
- As Carrot Top stepped with great care
- Her tired mind ill at ease
- She spied the figure of a mare
- Emerging from the trees
- “Now welcome, child, to my old shrine,
- In this forgotten glade.
- I think, with your son on the line,
- A bargain can be made…”
- The ragged mare looked small and old,
- Though sturdy as an oak,
- To ward herself from wind and cold
- She wore an old green cloak
- Her milky eyes seemed frail and weak
- But held a hidden flame,
- When Carrot brought herself to speak
- She asked the pony’s name.
- “Oh child, I’ve been called many ways
- But none that you have seen
- For ponies that I meet these days
- I’m just the Mare in Green.
- I’ve seen the trouble you’ve been through
- With your son’s losing fight,
- And so I wish to offer you
- A chance to set things right.
- For I can grant to you great wealth,
- Your coffers I can fill,
- So you can buy, for your son’s health,
- That Crystal Daffodil!”
- It all seemed too good to be true
- Could such a thing be real?
- The farmer asked what she must do
- For her end of the deal
- The Green Mare’s creepy laughing broke
- The silence ‘round the glade,
- She reached her hoof beneath her cloak,
- And pulled a wicked blade.
- “To this shrine, olden ponies came
- To offer sacrifice
- Now I want you to do the same
- To pay this bargain’s price.
- An innocent you must bring here
- Whose life is at its start
- Then lay her on the altar, dear,
- And pierce her noble heart
- When you’ve done that, I’ll let you see
- The secret that I hold,
- And you will most assuredly
- Start raking in the gold
- And once you’ve done it four times more
- We’ll both have reached our goals
- You’ll have your son back from death’s door
- And I’ll have five more souls!”
- She offered Carrot Top the knife
- But Carrot shouted “NO!”
- She swore upon her very life
- She’d never sink so low!
- “If that’s your stance, dear, I don’t mind
- You’re free to walk on out,
- Just know that you will never find
- A cure for Carrot Sprout.
- But should you do right by your son
- And child, I think you will,
- You cannot stop until you’re done
- Once you’ve made your first kill…”
- And as she muttered those last words,
- She looked up to the sky
- A flock of jet black, cawing birds
- Came swooping from on high
- They covered her from tail to face;
- A most disturbing scene,
- And when they left, there was no trace
- Of any Mare in Green.
- Then Carrot Top was wise enough
- To quickly run away
- And though she’d wheeze and huff and puff,
- She didn’t stop ‘til day.
- CANTO V
- ‘Twas dawn when Carrot reached her home
- And softly shuffled in
- She swore that she would never roam
- Into the woods again
- She snuck upstairs without a peep
- And checked on Carrot Sprout
- Her darling boy was still asleep
- So soon she too passed out
- But when she woke at eight o’clock
- Groggy and hating life
- Her nightstand gave her quite a shock:
- It held the Green Mare’s knife!
- She loudly gasped in utter fright
- Her body shook with fear
- She had not taken it last night,
- How had it gotten here?
- But Carrot pushed fear from her head
- And hid the knife away
- With popping joints she rose from bed
- And went to face the day.
- She made some breakfast for her son
- And took it up the stairs
- She chatted with him one-on-one
- To help ease all his cares
- But soon she had to go away;
- She had a farm to run
- With mouths to feed and bills to pay
- She stepped out in the sun
- She tended to her tasty crops –
- Her usual routine
- She sprinkled water on their tops
- To keep their lush leaves green
- And as she gazed out at her fields
- She prayed with all her soul
- That harvest time would bring high yields
- And keep her coffers full
- For earning bits to save her son
- Was always on her mind
- But through hard work, she’d get it done
- And put this trial behind.
- She toiled for many hours straight
- With countless chores to do
- And as the day was growing late
- At last she saw them through
- But as she settled for the night
- She heard a noise outside
- And out her door she saw a sight
- That she could not abide
- Another filly from the school
- Was standing on the road
- And hurling insults sharp and cruel
- At her humble abode.
- She’d seen this young pink mare in town
- And knew of her high rank
- She wore a shining diamond crown
- That also marked her flank
- Her verbal barbs, so tinged with hate,
- Were meant for Carrot Sprout
- She mocked the sick child’s ghastly fate
- And boasted of her clout
- And up above her, Carrot Top
- Heard Sprout begin to cry
- This monstrous teasing had to stop;
- So outside she did fly!
- Her heart brimming with fury’s fire,
- She stormed out on the lawn
- She warned the filly of her ire
- If she did not get gone
- But to the farmer’s great surprise
- The filly did not care
- With hatred gleaming in her eyes
- She made fun of the mare
- Her country bumpkin life was sad
- And what was even more
- She raised her child without a dad –
- She clearly was a whore!
- But worst of all was Carrot’s shame
- When it was cruelly said
- That she deserved to take the blame
- When her poor son was dead
- For had she planned and saved a bit
- Just stored some cash away
- She’d be prepared when trouble hit
- And Sprout would be okay.
- It’s said there is no crueler thing
- Than harsh words that are true;
- That insult had a truthful ring,
- The carrot farmer knew.
- So down in Carrot’s timid breast
- The mare felt something snap
- A rage-filled cry rose from her chest;
- She gave the girl a slap!
- The filly rubbed her tender cheek
- And gasped in disbelief;
- The humble farmer, oh so meek,
- Was quickly filled with grief
- But then the filly gave a frown
- And cleared her throat to say
- Her daddy owned the whole damn town
- And he would make her pay
- His legal team was up to snuff
- For such an easy suit;
- He’d sue the farmer, take her stuff,
- And leave her destitute!
- Poor Carrot Top was well aware
- This was no idle threat
- She lost her cool and now the mare
- Was swimming in regret
- She’d go to jail and lose her gold
- To pay the legal cost
- Her son would be out in the cold
- And surely would be lost
- But somewhere deep inside of her
- A dark voice made it clear
- She’d be safe if this filly were
- To somehow disappear…
- And plus, the Green Mare in the woods
- Would want her soul to steal
- She already would have the goods,
- So why not make a deal?
- She wrestled with that haunting fact
- She weighed it in her soul
- Could she commit an evil act
- To save her precious foal?
- In moments, her grim course was set
- She cursed the stars above
- Then struck her foe without regret
- All in the name of love
- The filly crumpled to the ground
- Under her harsh attack
- She dragged her off without a sound
- And stuffed her in a sack
- She tied the sack up extra tight
- Then grabbed the Green Mare’s blade
- And then she slunk off in the night
- To seek the ancient glade…
- CANTO VI
- Through underbrush and twisted vine
- The farmer ventured on
- To find the ancient forest shrine
- Before the light of dawn
- The bratty filly made no peep
- And laid limp in her bag
- As she was carried, fast asleep,
- To meet the forest hag
- And after hours of stumbling ‘round
- The forest late at night
- The mare saw mandrake on the ground
- Lit by the sparse moonlight
- She stood up straight and set her jaw
- Took in a ragged breath
- Then marched right on into the maw
- Of this foul place of death
- And as she set her weary eyes
- Upon her goal at last
- The altar, to her great surprise,
- Was much unlike the past
- The ebon runes carved to and fro
- Upon the tablet’s face
- Shone with an iridescent glow
- As delicate as lace
- The stone itself, once split and worn,
- Was fresh as virgin snow
- As if it had just now been shorn
- From bedrock down below.
- The farmer hefted up her sack
- And dumped the filly there
- Upon the altar, cold and black,
- She lay there unaware
- As Carrot Top beheld her prey
- The wind began to blow
- The twisted trees began to sway
- Leaves shaking to and fro
- And on the breeze her ears did catch
- A gleeful cackling sound
- That drew near to the mandrake patch
- As it swirled round and round
- The sound grew to a mighty boom
- And soon there could be seen
- A figure in the midnight gloom
- The dreaded Mare in Green!
- "My child, I knew you'd see the light,
- And do the proper thing.
- Now let us bless this sacred night
- With your fine offering!
- Now, this old rite of sacrifice
- Is quite easy to do
- As long as you took my advice
- And brought the knife with you."
- At this, the farmer did display
- That blade, so sharp and fierce,
- Which hungered for soft flesh to flay
- And blameless hearts to pierce.
- "Now hold that blade above your head
- Reciting after me
- These solemn words that must be said
- With utmost gravity:
- O Father of the ageless wood
- Beyond the grasp of time
- Devourer both of light and good
- I beg thee: hear my rhyme!
- Just as the snake consumes the mouse
- This soul I offer thee
- To serve the glory of thy house
- As roots sustain a tree
- Just as the chill of winter's breath
- Does summer's heat impugn
- Your living servant pays with death
- To seek thy godly boon
- O Father of the verdant hell
- Thy hunter calls for aid
- With sanguine ink I seal this spell
- The sacrifice is made!"
- And though the farmer felt so wrong
- These words she did recite
- The Mare in Green, her voice sing-song,
- Then cried out in delight
- "You've done it, child, the pact is made,
- It's time to do your part.
- Raise up your ancient, woeful blade
- And pierce the filly's heart!"
- The words fell hard upon the mare
- It all became so real
- She held the blade, but did she dare
- To finish out this deal?
- She gazed upon the little child
- That had to be dealt death
- She saw her face so calm and mild
- She heard each steady breath
- A queasy feeling made her sway
- As she thought out her sin
- She felt her courage drain away;
- A fading fire within
- The forest hag soon understood
- Poor Carrot's flagging will
- She growled beneath her ragged hood
- And spoke in tones most shrill:
- "I see the way you hesitate
- So listen well, you fool,
- You must not make the Father wait -
- Quick action is his rule.
- Stab quickly now with fury's fire
- And cut the child's heart out
- Or draw the mighty forest's ire
- And lose your Carrot Sprout!"
- With this, poor Carrot's mind was made
- She could not lose her son
- She held aloft the gleaming blade
- She had to get this done!
- She set her eyes once more to see
- The sleeping child below
- She murmured an apology
- Then struck the fateful blow.
- The blade fell quickly through the air
- Its bloody thirst to slake
- But then, to Carrot's great despair,
- The filly sprung awake
- The child let out a plaintive cry
- To all the gods above
- It was no use for she did die
- All in the name of love
- The blade struck home with stunning ease
- And silenced her for good
- Her blameless blood was shed to please
- The Father of the Wood
- And as the child's life fell away
- Her murderer did spy
- Her own reflection on display
- Within the child's dead eye
- Her face alight with rage laid bare
- A strange look in her eyes -
- The mare she saw reflected there
- She did not recognize.
- With trembling hooves she tore apart
- The sacrifice's chest
- And then retrieved the still-warm heart
- From deep within her breast.
- The Green Mare cackled without stop
- And summoned up a bowl
- She placed it on the altar-top
- Next to the poor dead foal
- "Well done my child, my darling mare,
- You did it all with ease.
- Now drain the heart in that bowl there -
- Just give it one good squeeze!"
- So Carrot filled the blood bowl up
- Until the heart was dried
- And then the Green Mare poured a cup
- Of some strange dust inside
- A bubbling froth began to rise
- And soon it could be seen
- The mixture changed before their eyes
- To some dark shade of green.
- The Green Mare emptied out the brew
- Into a golden flask
- Then told the farmer what to do
- To finish out her task
- "By adding in the mandrake root
- The potion now is done
- And surely now you'll get the loot
- To save your precious son
- Just take the potion to your field
- And pour it on your crop
- It will increase your harvest's yield
- My dear sweet Carrot Top.
- But let me tell you one more thing
- That you cannot ignore:
- Now that you've made your offering
- You must bring back four more!"
- The Green Mare gave a laugh most weird
- Then lightning streaked the sky
- And in the flash, she disappeared
- In one blink of an eye
- And much to Carrot Top's great fear
- The filly was no more
- The corpse was gone, the altar clear
- Bereft of blood and gore
- The farmer did not linger long
- On that unholy ground
- And even though she felt so wrong
- She galloped, homeward bound.
- CANTO VII
- Poor Carrot ran through wood and hedge
- And though she knew not how
- She met the profane forest's edge
- With dawn's light on her brow
- Her muscles tired through and through,
- Exhaustion slowed her gait
- Yet she still had much work to do;
- The potion could not wait
- She reached her humble carrot patch
- And with a pensive breath
- Undid her satchel's rusty latch
- And grasped the brew of death
- With closely measured careful drops
- She poured it to and fro
- And as the potion hit her crops
- They shone with magic's glow
- And once the potion all was gone
- She put the flask away
- Then trudged across her dewy lawn
- Right at the break of day
- She went inside her worn front door
- To check up on her foal
- She found him sleeping with a snore -
- A peaceful, happy soul!
- The harrowed farmer had a drink
- To block out what she'd done
- Then went upstairs to sleep a wink
- Beneath the morning sun
- She shut her eyes and tried to rest
- But sleep came fitfully
- Her blade within the filly's chest
- Was all her dreams could see
- And some time hence she heard a noise
- That work her with a jolt
- She ran downstairs with speed and poise
- For it came from her colt
- Her sickly son bounced happily
- His joyous grin was wide
- He bid his mom to come and see
- The miracle outside!
- And when the farmer's gaze was drawn
- Her lips uttered an oath
- For all her crops had undergone
- A truly massive growth
- Their bright green stalks stood tall and proud
- At least a sapling's height
- Their orange hue was bright and loud
- Their ripeness was just right
- Each swollen carrot seemed to match
- A large wood barrel's width
- It did appear the humble patch
- Was now the stuff of myth!
- With jaw agape she took young Sprout
- And, making not a peep
- The son and mother both went out
- A rich bounty to reap
- Despite her incredulity
- Her labors did begin
- She used her ingenuity
- To bring the harvest in
- She sent her son to grab supplies
- To build herself a winch
- For picking carrots of this size
- Would never be a cinch
- By noon she finished her machine
- And yet she labored on
- Her carrots, by their stalks so green,
- From out the earth were drawn
- With all her strength she pulled and pulled
- Against each carrot's root
- Her muscles strained and sweat drops rolled
- To win her orange loot
- By three, the steadfast Carrot Top
- Had picked her small patch bare
- She loaded up her monstrous crop
- With tender loving care
- And once the cart was loaded in
- She turned and went inside
- To go prepare her sickly kin
- To take him for a ride
- In blankets thick she wrapped her sweet
- To ward him from a chill
- She placed him in the cart's high seat
- Then left for Ponyville
- And as the farmer pulled her cart
- To sell her harvest's yield
- She saw a sight that froze her heart
- Encroaching on her field
- For just beyond the furthest bound
- Her carrots had been sown
- Within the dark and fertile ground
- Some mandrake root had grown!
- But Carrot bottled up her fright;
- She couldn't let Sprout know
- The awful thing she'd done last night
- To make her carrots grow.
- She set her eyes upon the road
- And soon the mighty mare
- Had pulled her old cart's heavy load
- Into the market square
- She quickly opened up her stall
- And with a sharp, loud wail
- Bid all the ponies, great and small
- To come and see her sale
- And when she set her carrots down
- The townsfolk gasped in shock
- And soon the tight-knit, sleepy town
- Was all abuzz with talk
- A bustling crowd then did appear
- To see the spectacle
- Their murmurs rife with awe and fear
- As Carrot played her role
- With showy flair the farmer spun
- The tale of poor Sprout's fate
- And how she prayed to save her son
- Before it was too late
- Her pious pleas to keep her colt
- Were answered from above;
- Her mythic crops the clear result
- Of holy, graceful love
- She played their heartstrings like a lute
- Then named her bounty's price:
- Two hundred bits for one whole root
- And ten bits for a slice.
- The mass of ponies stepped right up
- With hunger in their eyes
- They threw their coins in Carrot's cup
- And claimed their orange prize
- And when the old mare first in line
- Gave Carrot's crop a bite
- She said it tasted quite divine
- So juicy, sweet, and right!
- The din grew in intensity
- The frenzied shouts rang loud
- So much that Carrot did not see
- A good friend in the crowd
- The friend maneuvered her small form
- And made it through the row
- Soon something soft and oh-so warm
- Hugged Carrot from below
- The farmer gasped and froze in place
- But her defenses fell
- When she looked down and saw the face
- Of her friend, Sweetie Belle
- With blissful laughs the filly chimed
- That she was full of joy
- That fate had been so very kind
- To Carrot and her boy
- For Carrot's crops, undoubtedly
- Were sprung from Heaven's seed
- To save her humble family
- In times of pressing need
- With one false smile the farmer said
- It sure did seem that way
- Then Sweetie asked, her smile so wide,
- If Sprout would like to play.
- Upon the cart, young Sprout slept tight
- For he was frail and sick,
- Yet hearing Sweetie's voice so bright
- Sure woke him up right quick!
- The farmer let the children free
- To have a bit of fun
- As long as they returned to see
- The setting of the sun.
- So Carrot Sprout came off the cart
- His leave had been received!
- And Carrot Top, deep in her heart,
- Was secretly relieved
- For when she looked at Sweetie Belle
- So friendly, kind, and fair
- The child whose soul she fed to hell
- Was all that she saw there
- They both were young and full of life
- With lovely sparkling eyes
- That she extinguished with her knife
- To win her current prize
- But then the farmer shook her head
- And stood herself up tall
- She swallowed up her nagging dread
- And answered profit's call.
- CANTO VIII
- By eventide, fair Carrot Top
- Sold out of all her stock
- She packed away her humble shop
- Then glanced up at the clock
- She heard the giant tower's bell
- Ring out its nighttime song
- She hoped that her young son was well
- And nothing had went wrong
- Then on the tower's final chime
- Two young ones trotted in
- Her son and Sweetie, right on time,
- Came hustling through the din
- Young Sprout looked flush and full of joy
- Despite his failing health
- The farmer welcomed back her boy
- While counting out her wealth.
- She thanked young Sweetie for her care
- And kindness towards her colt
- She really was a fine young mare,
- A worthy young adult!
- The bashful Sweetie gave a shrug
- With humble, practiced grace
- She gave young Sprout a tender hug
- A smile upon her face.
- And once the fond goodbyes were said
- The farmer packed her load
- Into her worn cart's rough-hewn bed
- And set off down the road.
- They left the bustling town behind
- Their dark path lit by torch,
- Then reached their home only to find
- Someone upon the porch!
- The night's gloom hardly did display
- The stranger's shrouded face
- But Carrot saw her coat was gray
- And she looked out of place
- As Carrot Top and Carrot Sprout
- Pulled up into the farm
- The little stranger shouted out
- And swore she meant no harm
- She said that she was here this day
- To find her missing friend
- For she'd been walking out this way
- Before last evening's end
- And only then did Carrot sense
- She hadn't took the time
- To contemplate this consequence
- Of her enormous crime
- She'd raise suspicion back in town
- As more foals met their fate
- Their searching eyes would all bear down
- To come investigate!
- This filly was the first to ask
- But surely not the last;
- They'd complicate the farmer's task
- Of saving Sprout real fast!
- And as the filly did recite
- Her lost friend's age and name
- Poor Carrot knew her kill last night
- Was surely just the same.
- So Carrot stood up straight and taut
- And spoke both loud and clear
- She lied and said that she had not
- Seen any foal 'round here
- The filly searched the farmer's soul
- With sparkling purple eyes
- And Carrot feared this simple foal
- Might catch her in her lies
- For her identity was clear;
- Her daddy ran the bank
- The silver spoon that stamped her rear
- Denoted wealth and rank
- Her glasses made her look the part
- Of one with wits quite fast
- In science, spelling, math and art
- She never came in last.
- At last the filly's gaze was through
- She spoke in tones quite slow
- That should the farmer find a clue
- She hoped she'd let her know
- Just then a voice came from the cart
- As Carrot's sickly youth
- Struck fear into his mother's heart
- By calling out the truth
- Young Carrot Sprout, so kind and pure
- Did what was good and right
- He told the filly he was sure
- He'd seen her friend last night!
- He told how she had appeared
- When twilight's hour was nigh
- And how she'd heckled, mocked, and jeered
- To make him hurt and cry
- The filly gasped in disbelief
- And glared at Carrot Top
- The farmer's gut sunk down to grief
- She knew this had to stop!
- That nosy child could never know
- What happened in the wood
- And so she told the foal to go
- And stay away for good
- Reluctantly she went away,
- But soon, called out the youth,
- She'd come back another day
- And figure out the truth.
- So Carrot huffed and stamped the ground
- Then put her cart away
- She turned her door's knob, cold and round
- And turned in for the day
- And while she tucked her son in bed
- With soft, maternal care
- He turned and asked, eyes full of dread
- Just why she lied back there
- He heard her give the bully hell
- While he trembled in fright,
- Why could she not remember well
- What happened just last night?
- She stroked his mane and told her sweet,
- In one maternal coo
- That sadly, lies and plain deceit
- Were something grown-ups do
- For she had not lied on a whim,
- She told her sleepy foal,
- She lied because she cared for him
- With all her heart and soul
- She softly sang a lullaby
- To put her child to sleep,
- And once he dozed, she gave a sigh
- So ragged, long and deep.
- She went downstairs to have a drink
- And calm her battered nerves
- She needed quiet time to think
- Through all life's twists and curves
- Yet as she sat down with a beer
- And sunk into her chair
- A noise outside did make it clear
- That someone else was there
- She growled and grabbed a candlestick
- To see just who it was
- And swore she'd shoo them off right quick
- If they came without cause
- And outside in her carrot field
- Beneath the shroud of night
- The stranger's form was soon revealed
- In pale, soft candlelight
- It was the filly from before,
- The one who snooped and pried
- She'd come to look around once more
- And find some clues outside!
- And when she spotted Carrot Top
- The little filly froze
- The farmer marched out through her crop
- A short distance to close
- She shouted at the little spy
- For coming here tonight
- But then the corner of her eye
- Caught one horrendous sight:
- The fearful foal was holding strong
- Onto a muddy crown
- That Carrot knew once did belong
- To that young brat from town
- Last night she left it on the ground
- Like such a foolish lout!
- And now this foal had come around
- And found the secret out
- The fearful filly squeaked and cried
- And asked about her friend
- And Carrot Top coldly replied
- Her search was at an end
- And forward then the farmer sped
- Her candlestick held high
- She struck the girl upon her head
- Then dragged her off to die…
- CANTO IX
- The nighttime woods were calm and still
- A deathly, stagnant hush
- As Carrot dragged her future kill
- Through twisted vine and brush
- No frogs called out their croaking song
- No crickets played their drone;
- The farmer grimly marched along
- So fearfully alone
- Beneath the forest's silent shroud
- Distractions fell away
- And buried thoughts came roaring loud
- To haunt her on her way
- She saw her prey from yesterday,
- Recalled her bloody scream;
- It seemed unreal and far away
- A sick and monstrous dream.
- Yet here she was, now on her way
- To steal another soul
- A bitter, hefty price to pay
- To reach her noble goal
- She felt some creeping pangs of doubt
- About her current course
- But quickly chased the dark thoughts out
- With fervent, faithful, force.
- For surely she was good and right
- To play the Green Mare's game;
- She did her gruesome deed tonight
- In love's exalted name!
- And all the horrid things she'd done
- And all the things she'd do
- Were good if they could help her son
- To see his sickness through.
- Twas midnight when she found that place
- Where mandrake root did grow
- She plodded in, bereft of grace
- Her sacrifice in tow
- The dormant wind at once awoke
- It shook both tree and brush
- And softly, then, the forest spoke
- Its voice a raspy hush
- "My child, your wisdom is immense;
- How quickly you've returned!
- It's only through your diligence
- That Sprout's good health is earned…"
- The phantom voice did cackle out;
- The breeze became a gust
- The leaves began to swirl about
- Commingling with the dust
- The monstrous wind swirled 'round her face;
- A cyclone had begun!
- It whirled about the sacred place
- As leaves within it spun
- The verdant tempest set its eyes
- Upon the clearing's core
- Once there, it quickly shrunk in size
- And concentrated more
- The swirling wind took pony form
- And soon there could be seen
- Emerging from the leafy swarm
- The smiling Mare in Green
- "No doubt you saw the great effect
- Of last night's lovely brew!
- So show the Father your respect
- And do what you must do!"
- Though fearful at the spectacle
- The farmer gave a nod
- And shuffled forth to trade a soul
- To please the Forest God
- With one great heave she set the kid
- Upon the altar's stone
- And from its sheath, the knife was slid
- To cleave her flesh from bone.
- Beneath her, Carrot saw her prey,
- Her form lit by the moon
- Her coat a pretty shade of gray
- And on her flank, a spoon
- Her stylish glasses scratched and bent
- Her mane was all distraught
- The girl was cute as fillies went,
- But all that mattered not
- Mechanically, she raised her blade
- And took the green mare's lead
- She spoke the spell within the glade
- To feed the forest's greed
- "O Father of the ageless wood
- Beyond the grasp of time
- Devourer both of light and good
- I beg thee: hear my rhyme!
- Just as the snake consumes the mouse
- This soul I offer thee
- To serve the glory of thy house
- As roots sustain a tree
- Just as the chill of winter's breath
- Does summer's heat impugn
- Your living servant pays with death
- To seek thy godly boon
- O Father of the verdant hell
- Thy hunter calls for aid
- With sanguine ink I seal this spell
- The sacrifice is made!"
- And strangely then, she felt no fright,
- No creeping pangs of doubt
- So Carrot struck with all her might
- And snuffed the filly out
- The steel struck true within her chest
- The victim drew one breath
- She shuddered hard, then came her rest;
- The endless sleep of death.
- And as the blood came fast and hot
- And spurted on the mare
- Poor Carrot had a dreadful thought:
- She really didn't care.
- She gazed down at the dead child's face
- And cared not for her plight;
- She chose to snoop around her place
- And earned her fate tonight.
- The last night's kill was hard to do
- It wracked her from within;
- But this time she had gone right through
- And thought not of her sin.
- No reservations slowed her blade;
- They just did not occur;
- Had this foul place already made
- A killer out of her?
- The Green Mare's wheezing, grating cry
- Then broke her reverie
- The forest witch was riding high,
- And cackling with glee
- "My child, you made a perfect kill!
- Such skill and such finesse!
- And now that Father's had his fill,
- Your carrot patch he'll bless!
- Now show me more amazing art
- In how you use that knife.
- Cut out the filly's poor pure heart
- And drain it of its life."
- The butchery was quick and fast
- As Carrot cut the foal
- Removed her still-warm heart at last
- And squeezed it in a bowl
- Mare in Green then did her task
- And added mandrake root
- She mixed it, poured it in a flask,
- Then boiled it up to boot
- The glowing brew was quickly done
- And bottled nice and tight
- And eager then to see her son,
- The farmer soon took flight
- But as she turned to head on out
- And leave this place of fear
- She heard the Green Mare give a shout
- And call out loud and clear:
- "That's two you've finished, Carrot Top,
- But three more still to give.
- So carry on and don't you stop
- If you want Sprout to live…"
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