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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Poetry for October 31st

Two pieces of poetry for the day, or night, that's in it — as they are known to say in Ireland. One, the first, I believe I've posted here before. The second, I may have. I can no longer remember.

I do know the second dates from 1993 when I was in Cupertino and newly come to the US.

in the twilight of the year
            when all is night;
venture forth all those
          who flee the light

to dance, to prance and merry-make
o'er all the world 'fore dawn should break
to win, to woo, to fright, to thrall
and mysteries hid reveal to all

to scale the furthest, safest tower
and steal within most virtuous bower
the wary, cautious, shy to tempt
and rusting, dusting sleep prevent

and tear away from righteous "Nay"
and whisper soft, "come on, let's play!"

ooo000ooo



The land was still and quiet
And a full moon
Looked down from an untroubled sky
Upon Silence.

Walking
A strange Presence -
Or perhaps Absence
Was sensed, was felt,
Was seen
Yet unseen when sought.

An ancient, ancient memory
stirred -
From the very bones of my Race
For this was the Eve of
Samhain
The Eve of All Hallows

And Strangeness walked the Land.

6 comments:

  1. Loved them both - but if I had to choose it would be the second one. ^_^ Nice Work!

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    1. Thanks, Helen. I do like the second - it was the first of the two I wrote, on October 31st, 1993 in fact. I like the feel of it.

      That said, there's something wickedly playful, playfully wicked, in the second.

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  2. I read a historical romance set in Ireland (called Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale) and Halloween was called November Eve in the book and the beautiful but frightening magical beings were called Sidhe. I found it fascinating because the whole hallows eve tradition comes from that part of the world.

    Jai

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    Replies
    1. "...the whole hallows eve tradition..." when the veil between what was, what is, what is to come, is grown thin. And who can say what might be on such a night?

      I love the lore that surrounds this time of the year. Though, in truth, I'm very fond of the lore that's tied to the different times of the year. There's a glimpse of some underlying truths there.

      And great stories.

      Thanks for stopping by, Jai.

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  3. I loved both - with two very different reactions.

    The first reminds me of faeries on Mischief Night. There's a playful quality, yet don't get too close or it could go badly!

    The second is darker, scarier, full of menace and forboding, ready to grab the unwary.

    Thanks for sharing these!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Laura. I imagine the Mischief appeals to you. :-0

      The second appeals to me for many of the reasons you mention - darker, scarier, ... foreboding.

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