Ol’Maergrit Blacknail - Annis Hag

Hush now, hush now, close your eyes,

Night is thick with creeping lies.

In the hills where cold winds wail,

Something drags her iron nail.

 

Click… clack… Blacknail’s back.

Hide your bones and mind the track.

Step too loud or cry too long—

Blacknail comes to right the wrong.

 

She smells hunger, she smells fright,

Finds the lonely in the night.

Broken teeth and tangled hair,

Yellow lantern–devil stare.

 

Click… clack… Blacknail’s back.

Wrap your blanket, don’t look back.

Hear that scrape along the stair?

Blacknail knows you’re hiding there.

 

Bones for dinner…

Blood for tea…

Blacknail hums so joyfully…

 

But be brave and still as stone,

Hold your breath and guard your own.

For the hag loves those who stand—

Strength of heart stays Blacknail’s hand.

 

Click… clack… Blacknail’s back.

Lantern dim and sky turned black.

Show no fear and she’ll pass by—

Else she’d like to hear you cry.

Done