VOTE! 2011 BELTANE/SAMHUINN LONG POEM ENTRIES

[Earthwoman]

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[somerled]

ISLE OF SKYE

standing on
the sea shore
my eyes turning
to the south
looking at
the main land
where the clouds
gently lay themselves
to sleep
on some hill tops

mysterious mist
covered mountains

an oyster-catcher
flies just above
the water
from the east
to the west
where some
lonely sheep
are wandering
at the edge
of the wood

firmly fertile
enchanting forest

in the sky
there is
this battle
of colours
deep blue
against some
soft pink
bright orange
and even
a shade of green

softly sweet
overwhelming skies

and right
in the middle
the sun
cuts a hole
in the clouds
and veils
it’s light
on the ocean
where the goddess
is dancing

Skye weeps
it’s farewell to me

[Crimson Stormfire]

the trees wearily bow
their limbs in drowsy dreams.
Late is their slumber
as they shed their fiery colors.
the ground is covered in leaves
reds , oranges, yellows .

the winds have an icy bite
upon their breath they whisper
of snow and rain, ice and cold,
of the coming holly king.
the veil grows thin.

the samhain fires burn bright
into the forest and fields.
they contain the promises of the
dying summer and the coming winter.
the fires offer comfort and light
in the coming darkness.

another year has passed,
samhain.

the final reaping is nigh.
the light of brigid fades
arthur slumbers.
in the time of darkness
reflect and learn,
reap and harvest
what you have planted and sown.

the pumpkins grin,
lit from within with samhain fires bright.
lighting the way for those who seek
the veil.
lighting the way for children dressed
as those beyond the veil.

the smell of soulcakes and ale fill the air.
stories of ages past echo in the trees as they dream
listen and over the crackle of the dying fires
you can hear them too.

the trees wearily bow
their limbs in drowsy dreams.
Late is their slumber
as they shed their fiery colors.
the ground is covered in leaves
reds , oranges, yellows .

[Kima]

Foxtale

"foxtail" he says
but the meaning escapes
me like a slippery fish.

after peering from
behind the tree
he deftly enters
my circle of light,
flames sprucing
in malicious eyes
like swift words.


fox sees
fox knows

foxtail.


I look I stare
open eyed
I search
yet I do not
understand.


fox
sees.
fox
knows.
foxtail?


fox rises and leaves
- clever shape in
grey fog darkness -
white tip
of tail
disappearing.

it is only
then I grasp


fox sees,
fox knows,

fox tells.



Foxtale

[Earthwoman]

NOTE: This poem is by Abaris GC

Dr. Seuss and the Wild Bee

By Abaris GC
2011

My old musty book about long, long ago,
Opened my mind about some things I know.
About Druids and Wizards, and Sages long dead,
Then a wild bee came buzzing and circling my head.

“You’re looking for something,
Your heart’s not at peace,
Your mind is in trouble,
Your worries won’t cease.”

So I asked the wild bee what all Druids knew.
She said “opposites are three, not merely two.
Three contains magic and wisdom and light,
Seen from the middle, both sides can be right!”

“The Druids knew pleasure, and peace, and knew calm.
Their knowledge brought healing, their wisdom, like balm.
Their seeing was clear and so full, full of love,
The sun and the moon gave them peace from above.”

But what of the Druids and what did they know?
And what did they do and where did they go?
The bee gave a smile and said “Listen to me,
And I will give answers to your questions three.”

“Druids knew cycles and seasons and change,
And when to step back and let Gods rearrange.
And when to be quiet, and passive, and still,
And how to enjoy, and of life, drink their fill.

The Bards wrote their poems, sang songs and brought art.
The Ovates went inward for healing to start.
The Druids gave teachings and guidance and rite,
And all shared their blessings by day and by night.”

Now where are the Druids, and where did they go?
“They’re here with us now and this you should know.
For all are a Druid who love, live and learn,
For a life lived in nature, for peace they do yearn.

“Now leave this wild bee alone for a while,”
And she buzzed away fast, with a mischievous smile.
So I put back my book on the library shelf,
And sat down with a Druid who was simply…
Myself!