That's a lovely poem, Arthur.
bw
SallyE

on 5/5/04 9:41 am, Arthur Seeley at [log in to unmask] wrote:

> 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
>>
>>