Celts call seals kin as they drape on dark rock,
kinship defined in fey legend, night talk,
same salt core and more, like necks thick,
heat kept by seal but man as brick.
As waves encroach on black rock seals bark back,
give voice to loss and more, skid to sea's brack.
Seals shift shape, shed skin and become human,
stay hidden from our view, but moon's lumen
shows selkie to those who might seek
and steal skin, make her ever weak.
Kinship not enough, own as mate our kin.
Shed tears for those who block another's din
(Based on the Irish/ Scottish legend of the selkie.)
Written in response to dVerse Poets pub prompt by Beth Winter for a staccato form poem with particular rules listed here. (but I missed the time deadline, aargh!)
What a beautiful legend, and your poem brought it to life for us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRosaria, A movie that deals with it is "The Secret of Roan Innish". Great movie, fascinating legend.
ReplyDeleteLots of "S" sounds in this poem. Wish I had known a shape shifting seal. Or maybe I have... :-)
ReplyDeleteThis really is beautiful.
ReplyDeletelovely post.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Mary.
ReplyDeleteDJan, Maybe you have, as have I.
ReplyDeleteSally, I liked writing it.
Sunny, Thanks.
Patti, I'm glad you liked it.
I like your staccato poem, with its "K" and "S" and play with kin, skin, and all the sounds (love view . . . moon . . . lumen). You have a lot of skill, and I'm thrilled you are posting your poems.
ReplyDeleteRuth, Thanks. I had fun with this. I wanted to write about the seal legend, which I find fascinating, and used this staccato form to put it together.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I trawled backwards to find your Selkies...It was worth the journey! LOL
ReplyDeleteJinsky, I'm pleased you liked this telling legend.
ReplyDelete