The Wishing Tree (of Glastonbury Tor)

Cherry

By marandina

Mon, 24 Jan 2022
  • 3998 reads
19 comments
 

Audio version at https://soundcloud.com/user-62051685/the-wishing-tree-mp3

 

The Wishing Tree (of Glastonbury Tor)

Thoughts float like Cumulus clouds,

wandering amongst sapphire skies,

where a pale, pagan moon shines,

casting runes and ancient spells.

Offerings made to Celtic Gods,

ribbons on branches - prayers,

quiet homilies to silent souls,

lost reverence of roots and bark.

Noiseless advocates watch and wish,

witnesses to age-old, primeval sorcery,

eyes closed, litany to neoteric stoics,

bound by romance - Dark Age ghosts.

In my latent mind’s eye I see

recent Dead still dear to me

and dream, reach and tear

mighty swords from mystical stones.

Remembering long-ago times,

Druids and haunted legends,

Avalon mist cloaking green fields

when magic roamed the land.

 

Footnote:

The Wishing Tree is at the bottom of the hill walk at Glastonbury Tor. It is much loved and has ribbons hanging from many of its branches representing pagan prayers. Of course, anyone can leave an offering at this most sacred of trees.

 

Image is my own https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2054199364622669&set=a.205253644145...

Certificate PG
Poem
Miscellaneous Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I liked 'thoughts float like Cumulus clouds, wandering amongst sapphire skies'
and that is how thoughts move around searchingly if no direction,
so I find the whole scene pictured so sad, memorials, but no sign of where hope really lies, though the moon doea bear witness – not to pagan non-deities, but to the only God, who made it and is.

Bereavement and longings are real, but reach to reality not magic! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Rhiannon. And the thoughtful comment. Paul

 

Submitted by celticman on

I think we've all got a wishing tree. But it might not be a tree. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, CM. Yes, there's so much to wish for in these strange times. I guess you are right, you don't need a tree to make a wish. Paul

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Paul,

this is a fine tribute to the Wishing tree, you have so many beautiful descriptions that I connected with when I went there.  We have a similar tree at Avebury, it's up on one of the ridges, and Druids also hang offerings of ribbons. The last time I was at Avebury, someone had put a candle in an inlet of one of the giant stones, with either a spell or gift wrapped and bound in old bark.

I loved reading your poem with its gentle offering up of approval to the magic of the wonderful tree.

Blessings Paul.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Jenny. It always draws me in when I visit the Tor. It's such a special place and the Wishing Tree has an air of magic surrounding it. For anyone wanting a taste of the reverence with which the Tor itself is held, please see link below

https://fb.watch/aKo-Z_gtDm/

Thanks again, Jenny. Paul :)

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thank you very much for the cherries, ABC Eds. Much appreciated. Paul

 

Submitted by donignacio on

This is a poem with magic at every corner. I always felt that the legends surrounding Druids were intrinsically fascinating to me, and this just completely brought it out! Really wonderful poem.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it and that's kind of you to say. Glastonbury Tor is steeped in magic as is the Wishing Tree. It's a very spiritual place. You have to be there to really know what I mean. Thanks again donignacio. Paul

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

You've really captured the atmosphere of the Tor so well. It's many years since I've been, but this vividly brought it all back. I get the same feelings around standing stones - I was interested to read Jenny's comment about Avebury, which has a very magical feel about it. Lovely piece of writing, Paul, and, as ever, I much enjoyed the audio.

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, Jane. Yes, I have been to Avebury and can't remember the Wishing Tree there. I know there is one. It's been many years since I have seen the stones over that way. Too long. Paul

 

Submitted by Turlough on

This is great stuff Paul.

Your words really conjure up the mysticism of Glastonbury.

I particularly liked ...

witnesses to age-old, primeval sorcery,

eyes closed, litany to neoteric stoics,

bound by romance - Dark Age ghosts.

which is a great way to describe the trees round and about the Tor but, from my experience of living near there, could also apply to many members of the human population of Somerset.

I really enjoyed this as it took me flying back to the West Country,

Good on you!

Turlough

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Turlough. Yes, we should all fly over to the West Country for a few hours. Keep well. Paul

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Absolutely beautiful and another thing to add to my list of places to visit. I must try to find a wishing tree near here ..

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it. Yes, it's a short walk from the Wishing Tree up to the top of the Tor. So many places to see in this part of the world. Glastonbury village itself is unique. The whole area is wonderful. Paul

 

Submitted by Hades502 on

Great poem, Paul. It sounds like an interesting place to visit. I really dig the mystery and magic that was represented in your words very well. Congrats on the cherries.

GGHades502

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, Hades. It's a magical place. Paul

 

Submitted by jeand on

HI Paul

 

Both interesting and beautifully written.  I expect you have been to Glastonbury yourself. 

Jean Day

Submitted by marandina on

Oh thank you for reading it, Jean. Oh yes, I have been to Glastonbury and the Tor many times. I love it there. Paul