Behind Another Name
He goes by many
as he travels the country training
peasant girls the art
of spinning various fibers
into the finest silk. “It’s magic!” people say, though
many are convinced it’s a trick. But none
have been able to confirm it.
This little man turns these penniless maidens
into wealthy princesses, but
with a price. They must give
him a valuable each time. And if
they cannot, he would take something
closer than any earthly riches –
their firstborn child. However,
if they could guess his real name
behind the present one, then truly
those ashamed, wretched damsels
shall keep their babes. But if
they are unable to, the infant is stowed away
to be raised in a land only
this deceiving,
diminutive man
knows.