I will spare him the misery
of suspecting any move, look or mood
that seems unnaturally mine….
From Confessions of The Bernshaw Tower Bride
She turns before the tilted glass
soft-footed, hair falling
long and light
like the moon shafted
through the wild wood
where she used to run.
Those days now
are the fade of nettles
damp mushrooms and moss.
The disappearance
of a doe’s shadow
that was white, once her own.
Candles respire
at a steady rate. The room calm
and covert with oak shade
awning the windows. She, too,
breathes easier this night
having a husband’s trust
restored He forgave
as she traded ancient spells
for psalms. Tall
and lean-limbed he came,
not as a hunter tracing
the heel marks of a swift hind,
but like a thirsty stag
longing for the clean
tears of her love, the sobbing
of a sorceress
redeemed. He removed
his gloves and took her hand
hearing only the kiss
he issued there
while the cry of swans
crossing overhead
unraveled like thread
from a tight stitch
that might hold a button
or hook. The sky’s
opalescent moon.
____________________________________________
update — the link below is temporarily out of reach, due to downtown for maintenance and may return soon. I do have a link to my blogsite that explains more about Lady Sibyl, the inspiration for the poem, one that precedes it, and overall what I was trying to achieve with the legend. If anyone is interested, here’s the link
http://gwendrina.blogspot.com/search?q=shift+of+shape+and+season
Note — for further reading on the legacy and legend of Lady Sybil of Bernshaw Tower, here’s a link to a 19th
century account of her mysterious character and behavior. http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/england/west-yorkshire/folklore/bearnshaw-tower-and-lady-sybil.html
“the cry of swans
crossing overhead
unraveled like thread
from a tight stitch…”
Wendy,
You cause the reader to hear, to see, to experience.
I visited your blog and read more of Lady Sybil as well
as your other poem about her. Very much enjoyed!
Thanks for being here and thanks for sharing your blog.
Sarah
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Hi Sarah
So glad you enjoyed this poem as well as the one on my blog!! Your kind words and interest in my poetry is very deeply appreciated!! Also, many thanks for the extra time you took to read my blog and comment there as well. That too, is so very much valued!!
Take care
my best always
Wendy
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and thank you, too, for the reading…it enhances the experience.
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Hi Sarah
Always good to know my readings work — or at least add some effect to the poem! Thank you so, so much for listening! I deeply appreciate it!
Take care and God Bless!
Wendy
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