The Happy Leprechaun by Dave Tabar

The Happy Leprechaun in an Irish Glen: A Tale of Luck, Mischief, and Green Shoes

Nestled deep within the rolling hills and misty valleys of Ireland, where the emerald green grass grows tall and wild, lies a mystical glen - an enchanting place whispered about in Irish folklore. It's a land where rainbows frequently grace the sky and where the air is thick with secrets. Here, amidst the cool shade of ancient trees, you might just happen upon a leprechaun or two - if you're lucky enough. And if you're really lucky, you may stumble upon something even rarer: a leprechaun's shoe!

The Happy Leprechaun tale I'm about to share, written by the gifted Dave Tabar, is a whimsical journey into just such a magical glen. The poem, The Happy Leprechaun, invites us into a world where mischief, luck, and the Irish spirit intertwine. But it's not just about searching for that fabled pot of gold - no, this is a tale of a more personal treasure: discovering the true nature of leprechauns and the importance of kindness, all wrapped up in an unexpected encounter.

There was a legend of long ago - follow the rainbow to the pot o' gold.
 I always thought I'd see that day - following that beam, being led astray.

My hope it dwindled, as time went on. No pot o' gold. No leprechaun!
 While I never found that pot o' gold, the story grows better as it's told.

Alas, my friend, my luck held true, as I walked the glen, and found a green shoe.
 I saw no rainbow, yes that's true. But as good as gold was that leprechaun shoe.

Deep in the forest I walked with glee, hoping to see what I could see.
 Eyes all around, I sensed, on me. They must be out there, behind those trees.

Might there be one, or two or three? Perhaps I'll get lucky, find a lady for me.
 I soon realized, the hunt was for naught. 'Cause if I caused pain, certain trouble I'd bought.

For displeasing a 'chaun without his shoe, is asking for trouble, this I knew.
 So, rather than carry his shoe on me, I found a hollow in an old oak tree.

I left it there, and soon felt free, of negative things that could fall upon me.
 I soon came to dozin' and felt foggily. Then heard something rustling, o'er near that tree.

With one eye open, the other one closed, I focused on what looked like a leprechaun's nose.
 Then I saw not one, not two, not three, but a leprechaun family drop down from the trees.

They laughed and they giggled as they tossed things about. I soon realized it was the shoe, no doubt! Catch if you may, catch if you can. It was tossed 'round the circle to all the 'lil hands.

I wanted to play, but didn't know how, to make introductions. Seemed awkward somehow.
 As I quietly left, knowing they're true, one appeared in my tracks and stared at my shoes.

I happened to wear brass buckles that day, as the gleam from the sun did not fade away.
 I then recalled, what mother once said: "Be nice to a leprechaun, or trouble ahead!"

I pulled off my shoes, and as soon as I did, got surrounded by leprechauns, fancied, but glib.
 Once I offered my shoes, one spoke cheerily: "It's the buckles we love, take yer shoes back with ye."

We danced and we partied and played merrily. Then I headed back home, filled so deeply with glee. No one believes that I saw what I 'd seen. But lucky for me, I now believe!

So, if e'er you find that sweet pot o' gold, remember not to steal from that glowing bowl.
 For trouble it'd bring, for sure it'd be worse, the unluck you would have with a leprechaun's curse.

But once you meet one, be so sure to smile. As it shall bring good luck for a long, long while.
 So, when out and about always dress with class. Though just be certain yer sportin' some brass!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
And may your journey in life be filled with good fortune and many blessings!

The magic of The Happy Leprechaun poem is in its simplicity and charm. It’s not just a story about a mischievous encounter with a leprechaun, but a reminder of the importance of respect and kindness. The leprechaun’s family, while playful and full of laughter, also teaches the value of consideration. In this Irish glen, where the trees whisper old stories and the winds carry the scent of rain, every action has consequences - good or bad.

Our protagonist, who starts out on a classic treasure hunt in search of the pot of gold, is caught up in an unexpected twist. Rather than stumbling upon gold, he finds a green shoe - likely a leprechaun's prized possession. But what ensues is not an ordinary treasure hunt. The hunt for the pot of gold transforms into an adventure of understanding. It turns out that a leprechaun’s shoe isn’t just a random trinket; it's a symbol of something far more significant. And when our curious wanderer attempts to "collect" this shoe, he soon learns that misfortune follows if you take what doesn’t belong to you.

This is where the heart of The Happy Leprechaun lies: the lesson in treating others (even the mystical and mischievous leprechauns) with respect. The protagonist doesn’t just return the shoe; he also learns the importance of small, thoughtful gestures - like taking off his brass-buckled shoes. It’s a gesture of kindness that ultimately leads to a joyous, carefree dance with the leprechaun family, filled with laughter, merriment, and, of course, good fortune.

In the end, we’re reminded that in the world of leprechauns, respect and good intentions go a long way. Leprechauns, despite their trickster nature, are also beings of joy. And if you treat them with kindness, they might just return the favor with a bit o’ luck, or even a fun dance party in the woods.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering through an Irish glen, take a moment to look around. Who knows? You might just find yourself caught up in the whimsy of leprechaun magic. And remember, as you walk through the misty forests, always dress with a bit of class - and be sure to sport some brass buckles. You never know when you might meet a friendly leprechaun who just might take a liking to your shoes!