Altarwise by Owl-Light is a poem rich with feeling, symbolism and spirituality. Thought to be one of the more surreal and challenging works from Dylan Thomas’ collection of poetry because of the heavy reference to complex philosophical notions of time and space and the deeply religious symbolism. I felt the potency of this poem from the first line and find the imagery incredibly inspiring and engaging. I don’t think the sentiment of the poem is challenging because there are so many lines that are really yummy to read just in the way the sound and rhythm of the words come together.
I found the experience of reading the poem and writing this article invigorating and healing for me. I felt like my mind had been stagnating and this was just what I needed to revive me! In addition to sharing the poem I have briefly defined some of the terms to enrich the reading:
Furies, Abaddon, Mandrake, Capricorn, Cancer, Pelican of circles, Adam, Jacob, Nettle roots, Hemlock, Tree- tailed worm, Eve, Skullfoot, Rip Van Winkle, and Antipodes, what do they have in common, and what is their significance? I hope you enjoy and I would love to hear your feedback!
Tag: poetic wisdom
The Ancient Wisdoms
The Ancient Wisdoms,
Old Welsh Prose from 21 Lessons of Merlyn: a study of Druid Magic & Lore by Douglas Monro. The ancient wisdom refers to the wisdom of the Ancient Druids and bardic tradition in Wales. The mythology of the Welsh Druids is often associated with the name of Taliesin, Merlyn, or Merlin, the wizard-like figure that J.R.R. Tolkien uses as a model for characters like Gandolph the Grey in Lord of the Rings. The ‘Wizards’ or Druids were actually the poets, philosophers, scientists, seekers and all- round wise men of their time. They have associations with other ancient sects such as the Pythagoreans and both were famous for keeping no records of knowledge.
Everything they learned was committed to memory, much of it was encoded and passed on verbally in song or poetry to preserve the sanctity of the words.
The Pythagoreans believed that number was sacred, for the Druids, it was the letter.
Consequently, they developed an intricate relationship with the alphabet. Each letter would have a plethora of associations and when each of those meanings combined in the word, it had tremendous power.
V&E Poetic Therapy: Drowning
Drowning is not so pitiful As the attempt to rise. Three times, ‘t is said, a sinking man Comes up to face the skies, And then declines… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: Drowning”
V&E Poetic Therapy: Her Anxiety
Her Anxiety by William Butler Yeats Earth in beauty dressed Awaits returning spring. All true love must die, Alter at the best Into some lesser thing. Prove… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: Her Anxiety”
V&E Poetic Therapy: Diligence Is to Magic as Progress Is to Flight
What is Progress to Flight? Progress is to move forward or onward in space or time. Flight is the action or process of flying through the air.… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: Diligence Is to Magic as Progress Is to Flight”
V&E Poetic Therapy: A Girl
Cover art by Ginger Kelly I wanted to find a poem that spoke to the earthy sensory experience and of the feeling of Spring. For me, Spring… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: A Girl”
V&E Poetic Therapy: Pet Panther & ADHD
My theme this week is attention and I am kicking off the week with a poem by A. R. Ammons. When I found this poem it made… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: Pet Panther & ADHD”
on Good and Evil
An argument aginst basic notions of morality.
To forgive yourself and others is to embrace the ambiguity of empathy and compassion. Nothing is ever simple when it comes to what is good and what is evil, often it comes down to what side you are on and your perspective.
From Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet
“Of the good in you I can speak, but not of the evil.
For what is evil but good tortured by its own hunger and thirst?
Verily when good is hungry it seeks food even in dark caves, and when it thirsts it drinks even of dead waters.”
vehemence & emergence 