Witches' Finger Alphabet

by Robert Graves

Tree powers, finger tips,
First pentad of the four,
Discover all your poet asks
Drumming on his brow.

Birch peg, throbbing thumb,
By power of divination,
Birch, bring him news of love;
Loud the heart knocks.

Rowan rod, forefinger,
By power of divination,
Unriddle him a riddle;
The key's cast away.

Ash, middle finger,
By power of divination,
Weatherwise, fool otherwise;
Meet him out the winds.

Alder, psychic finger,
By power of divination,
Diagnose all maladies;
of a doubtful mind.

Willow wand, ear finger,
By power of divination,
Force confessions from the mouth;
Of a mouldering corpse.

Finger-ends, five twigs,
Tree, true-divining trees,
Discover all your poet asks;
Drumming on his brow.