Penn, Home of Billy Veil

Myth, Legend, Spirit or Foe

The sea surrounds the village of Penn
The ferry, of ancient time and well-worn wood
Will safely deliver you to her shores, although you may worry at times.
The ferry herself is part of the charm for visitors and residents alike
Ideas of replacement always vetoed with strong opinion and emotion
The creak and groan, the rock and roll of her countenance
Offers the passengers a form of assurance that she has the crossing licked

Penn is often shrouded in mist
At any time of the day or night
And as you cross the waters deep
You wonder if it is there at all
But sure enough, without fail, without fanfare, Penn appears
A vision of peace and tranquillity
Of hope, warmth and welcome

The people of Penn leave her be
Her buildings of Gothic design, her streets of cobbled stone
Her alleys dark with mystery
Offer a sense of another time, a sense of history unknown
And the people who inhabit her homes embrace the very uncertainty of it all

The streets are alive during the daylight hours
Of merchants selling their wares
Of visitors enchanted by the magic of it all
From storytellers to Tarot card readers
Musicians flavour the air with their soulful and engaging tunes

The buildings themselves are full of stories, if only they could talk
They bewitch and delight, drawing people in with their appearance
Heavy wooden doors, lead light windows of old and solid glass
What lies behind the facade is often hard to imagine

Pubs and Hotels welcome with open arms
And the charm of the houses are laid bare inside their walls
Offering a glimpse into a life of fairytale wonder
With a touch of jealousy for those who live there

At night, the streets are paved in soft light
Lamps are lit in the ways of old
Residents light candles in the front rooms of their homes
Foregoing modern convenience
Children are tucked up safe inside
And only those who have need venture outside

The cats and rats come out to play
They scurry and hurry and hide among the shadows
The mists roll in, thick and fast, coating and encroaching all in its path
It hides the night creatures within its folds
Offering shelter from prying eyes and unwanted interest

It is the time when Billy steps from beyond the veil
When he feels safe to roam the streets unfettered from those who seek him out
As Billy has no answers to their questions
No idea from where he comes
Only that Penn calls to him as home
Like a beacon shining bright
Until such time as he disappears again
Hidden from view and sight.