I love these riddles and want to do more. I'll answer and explain this one:
Dismay or dread is the key clue. The felon (con) comes before the sound (hearing) of a strict country (stern nation).
Consternation
Take my head, I'm still alive.
My head is dead, yet I thrive.
Walk the line, turning wheel,
Given time, I will heel.
Love me, tend me
Feed me right,
Burn me, love me
Hold me tight.
Shave my head, I don't care,
Stab me, scratch me anywhere!
Dress me up in colored clothes
And slake my thirst where darkness grows.
Walk the line, turn the wheel,
Given time, I will heal.
These are singular cryptocrossword answers. I love these UK puzzles.
Ex: collect in a laughing waistcoat.
Answer: harvest (a full clue, collect for harvest, is found in the "har" or laugh, and waistcoat, vest)
And Wilson strikes again! Threw in some wordplay for hints but should have known one of you two would unravel this one quickly. Hope your holidays are great!
BTW, did uou pick up on the monkey fist hint?
My primitive fists your hands resist
And measure not on earth,
So often sure to keep secure
What a mate regards of worth.
Oft in line, the end of line
So negative to the ear,
Just cast an eye, not to the sky,
You'll likely find me near.
Hi Liani. No, not a bear. If you wish, you can put your answer in a spoiler box so others will not see. It's the eye icon--top left. Thalia guessed this one, but you're welcome to keep trying. Welcome to Brainden.