This penetrating story shows the slide of self-obsession into hatred for and destruction of anything or anyone else who seems more beautiful or greater.

What I had thought to be something akin to a medieval myth was in fact a parable,

a story of faith, innocence, envy, betrayal, disillusionment, yet hope

the whole human condition. Some will see it as fantasy, others as a religious story; it is timeless.

Anna Buck: Winner of numerous poetry awards.