The Spinning of Tales
by Glenda Rynn
Dear Cousin Beauty,
Yesterday when I was looking for
herbs deep in the woods, I saw an old,
old woman spinning wool on a wheel
in front of her cottage. Although she
seemed to smile at me, I was afraid
and stayed off at a distance.
Our village priest says witches
used to live in villages but gradually
moved away into the dark forests so
they could work their wicked spells
and eat babies and children. (You
heard about Hansel and Grethel,
didn't you?)
But today when I told
Grandmother about the Old Spinner,
she looked around uneasily and spoke
in a low voice. She said the ones the
priests call witches are really just
persons who practice the old religion
that everyone used to before the
priests came. To make people change
to the new religion from Rome, the
priests said all the old practices are
evil and the work of devils.
Beauty, I'm all mixed up. I love
Granny, but, yet, the priest is so sure
he's right! He also talks about a
terrible place of punishment where
people go who do not follow what he
says.
I look forward to seeing you
soon. If you have the courage, we can
explore the woods and look for
flowers and mushrooms. But don't
you even think of going near that
spinning wheel if we see it!
Love,
Rose Red