A figure stands beside the rapids,
Listening to the night songs; a ritual
as old as the river unfolds around her.
Aged pines sway, spectral mists roll
across the rocky peaks of Monadhiliath.
Their silhouettes crawl velvet-lined passes
while fairy cattle, hooves softly muffled
by the carpeted forest, complete
their trek toward the circled stones
and she follows.
The Melody of her ancestors descends,
douses her gown, seeps through her skin,
and liberates her memories.
Her spirit escapes its corporal confines,
free to wander, a nomad trailing the herd.
At the grove, a highland messenger waits,
an embodiment of this land.
In a chrysalis cradled by his lullaby,
the maiden soon gives birth.
Transformed into the shape of Hart,
he will finally sing her home.
Jolen Whitworth is an award winning American poet who has resided in England for the past 14 years, During that time, she has worked as a poetry editor for such magazines as Gold Dust and Illuminata as well as having her work featured in countless anthologies. Jolen’s voice is unmistakable, honest and accessible, which has led to her work winning poetry competitions all around the world.
Jolen is a mother, grandmother and fierce champion for the underdog. Neither she, nor her work shies away from fighting for what she believes in. Yet, there is a tender romanticism in her work which is hopeful, nostalgic and inspirational. These qualities make her poetry interesting and relevant to both our everyday struggles and the dreamers within us all.
Jolen is a self didactic who although had some formal eduction, taught herself for most of her life, her interests are eclectic and her love of words infectious.
Jolen lives with her English husband and three Yorkshire terriers in West Yorkshire and they like to spend their free time traveling whenever time permits.
Some lovely phrasing in this poem. Excellent writing.