"Unicorn"

 

 

 

Unicorn  by Ella Young

Forth from the Wood of Dreams last night,
(The ensorcelled Wood that my heart fears.)
There came a Unicorn more white
Than blossoming first the thorn appears:
A lovely perilous sight
Lifting desirous lips to berries of the yew-tree,
The poison-sweet red berries of the yew!

All as it went the way was flowered
With slender lilies honey-dowered:
It crushed them head by scarlet head
Nor grieved the last that they were dead
Nor that its stained hooves were red,
Lifting desirous lips to berries of the yew-tree,
The poison-sweet red berries of the yew.

Published:  Horn Book, March 1939 and Smoke of Myrrh, 1950