Its not really Graves writing only his translation and slight re-ordering of
the Song of Amergin, the Beth-Luis-Neon tree calendar poem at the heart of
the The White Goddess thesis. it begins
I am the stag with seven tines.
I am the flood on the plain.
I am the wind on the sea.
I am a ray of the sun.
I am the hawk upon the high cliff.
I am the Hill of Poetry, and so on.
Amergin was the druid-poet that took the Celts into Ireland, in legend at
least.
I have used the I am technique to try to show a 'oneness' with the natural
world and in that sense an incantation if you like:
Moonset.
Silent descent below the world's rim.
From my verandah,
my last smoke arcs into the morning,
hisses like a discovered lie
on the sleek skin of the pool.
First mutter of wakings
around me
as the growing light
redefines the loom of trees.
A pallid sun discards
its gathered train of morning mists.
I breathe and be as the world renews.
I am the bead of dew,
dawn's gem upon the leaf.
I am the tree stirring,
the bough lurching,
the thresh of branches
in the sough of wind.
I am the soft fluster of wings unfolding.
The force that from me flies,
swift as light,
homes to your plump self,
curled in sleep,
a breathing mount of snowy sheets,
behind me in the dissolving gloom,
where ghosts of old loves recall
yesterday's forgotten dances.
The sudden lift of breeze-bouyed curtains
in pale and sinuous flight,
their silent billow startles the blood.
I swallow stones.
I would bring this day to you
glowing in unworthy hands
but stand instead in patient ruth,
to watch you sleep.
A mystery in the shadows
You astonish and dumbfound.
I am the blossom and the bee.
I am the tangle in your hair.
I am the berries
that stain your hands and mouth.
I am the petal on the ground,
the taut and shining bud.
I am the sun.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sally Evans" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 8:36 AM
Subject: Re: biligual poem -Arthur, chants
> but when Graves does it he uses I am.... different animals doesnt he. Like
> my I am a bee, I am a wildcat. yes Id forgotten that. it might be a good
> thing to develop in reshaping the poem.
> But I think I should have used S'e mi not Tha (Shay mee not Haa) for those
> statements!
>
> bw
> SallyE
>
>
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