by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2024
(Mar. 15, 2024) — I had always considered myself a sensible man, with stores of knowledge o’erflowing my head. But something happened to challenge all my senses, including that which is common. It developed this way: my work had taken me abroad to the Emerald Isle. Using winding, unfamiliar rural roads, I was soon lost. When my car became stuck in the mud, I was forced to take a hike along the path, hoping to find a small farm or a shepherd who could give me aid.
At first, my only thought was that of getting help, arriving at my destination, and getting my work done so I could go back home to the States, where I could continue climbing the ladder I had built on my road to success. But nature has a funny way of distracting you. The sun hypnotizes you as it dances upon babbling brooks; the birds draw your attention with their singing; the chilly air plays with your hair as it blows about any loose garments you’re wearing and rustles through the long, green grass.
Yes, nature’s hypnosis was the only explanation for how I suddenly found myself wandering through those woods. No doubt it was nature that played its tricks on me, for everyone I spoke to, later, denied that there was any waterfall in those woods. But then why did I see that waterfall so clearly? And I suppose the slight built, elderly gentleman sitting on a stump, hammering on the sole of a shoe, was my imagination too? Then how was it I shared a conversation with him?
Only one weathered-looking man, sitting by the fireplace at the inn, where I eventually found my night’s lodging, had answers to my questions. “‘Twas a leprechaun you saw,” said he. “That imp lives behind the waterfall, keeping watch over the pot of gold he has buried nearby. He’s grown very careless, to have let someone find him in such a vulnerable state. I suggest you go back tonight, when the moon peaks through the trees, take the little man by surprise. For if you catch him he is required to be your servant and give to you whatever you wish! Wish for his gold. But when he gives it you, be sure you spit upon it, or else it will become a curse to you.”
I laid in bed awake that night. Ridiculous. Such nonsense! Still, it was a nice, soft night. The moon was shining brightly. I decided to take a stroll. The woods just happened to be nearby. What would be the harm of taking a little walk?