shapes and shadows

[Crimson Stormfire]

I had heard of them,
in tales of
legends and lore,
frightening beasts
of little sense
enraged by bloodlust
and violence.
creatures neither man
nor beast but somewhere
trapped between.

i believed them not.

fairy tales to keep
children aligned
with right.
moral stories of good vs.evil
where good always triumphs
over the beasts.
arcane symbols wrought
and chosen beasts alike
adorn these fantasies
wolves and cats.

I believed them not

witches and druids
tales of old 'round campfire
sung and told.
swords and spells.
cauldrons and sorrows.
wars and loves.
hand in hand with the beasts
good vs. evil,
the so called good
always triumphed over
witches and druids.

I believed them not

Cast into the cauldron
as i was,
an involuntary volunteer,
betwixt the shades and shadows,
I saw.
the origins of such tales rooted in man
deep within a sense, an urge.
spirits that intermingle and offer
gifts, have we but to listen and be
unafraid.
there in the darkness, silence
my own thoughts,
breathing slower and slower
till stilled as my heart.
then singing,
the stones sang and the trees whispered,
the waters roared and the fires crackled,
in them shapes.
wolf,bird,bear,cat,fish.
earth, air, fire, water.
spirits and souls
magic and song
swords and spells

i believed in them.

and they in me.

awakened with new senses
and new wisdom
round the fires, tales of love
shape-shifters and valor,
swords and might,
sorcery and wisdom.
i spun

they believe me still.

as i now believe.

[wyeuro]

i believe you! but seriously, it's a great poem. left me feeling filled. i love it. love it.

[Crimson Stormfire]

yay!