A Kelpie’s Song

Digital Painting | 24″ x 24″

Open Edition Prints Available

Representing the folktale of the Kelpie, in which a young princess dreams of riding the legendary water horse. According to the story she will eventually be lured into the water and drowned. The ravens represent the dark heart of this tale. The poem is a warning to children not to be tempted by the beauty of the water and the Kelpie’s deceptive song.

Bairns beware the Kelpie’s song
If you’ve a mind to live for long
So be you son or be you daughter
Heed not the horse who lives in water

Her voice so sweet you’d not believe
She’d be the one who would deceive
A voice to lure you in so deep
Where you’d only find eternal sleep

So when you’re in the great outdoors
By river, loch or on the shore
And you chance to hear her siren lay
Flee home fear not and don’t delay
Bairns beware the Kelpie’s song
If you’ve a mind to live for long.

 By James Donaldson