All around my hat, I will wear the green willow

All around my hat for a twelve month and a day

And if anybody asks me the reason why I’m wearing it

It’s all for my true love who is far far away

That song was running in my head as I walked in the drizzle and the rain on my daily walk. If you want to hear this wonderful song go on You tube and hear Louise Morrissay or … my favorite version by Steeleye Span with the great Maddy Price. The sprig from the willow, a magic tree was worn as a decoration around the hat of mourners. This song is more one of exasperation at the lover who got transported to Australia for stealing!

If you want more about magic willows see my flash fiction in the July edition of The Wild Word, an online literary magazine. The piece is entitled They Told Secrets in the Dark