MARTHA

The poem Martha begins with the words once upon a time that are how every story for children begins. The story teller, Martha, is a young and lively woman with beautiful eyes. Her voice too is soft and soothing. It has all the charm and spell of sweet music. Martha tells her stories to children around her, resting their faces on their elbows. They gaze into her small lovely face and beautiful eyes. Her eyes are tranquil as dreams. She would sit in a leafy hazel glen. Her two slim hands would clasp round her bended knees. She would vet a picture of repose and peace. Marthas stories always begin with the words once, once upon a time. The meaning of her tales lies as much in their words, as in her manner of telling them. They would be as charming as a dream you dream UN the night. There would be fairies and spirits around them. The children would almost see these fairies and spirits around them in the leaf green light. Marthas stories would cast such a spell on the children that they would forget everything around themselves. They would even forget about themselves. Listening to the stories, their hearts would stand still like the clouds in the sky. Marthas stories would transport them by their magic into an age gone by.