On The Edge

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 20 Jun 2015
  • 1623 reads
6 comments
 

That the Druids, on midsummer’s night,
convene on the peak of Alderley Edge
is a secret we are not meant to know
but to the locals it’s common knowledge.

This historical place is reputedly magic:
fairies and wizards inhabiting the woods
with druid circles on which fires are lit
by men holding sticks and wearing hoods.

They approach their task with reverence
to extract  energy from rocks and trees,
because nature has a spirit and a force
which with their rituals they can release.

They have celebrations and incantations,
dance round the maypole, play a tune.
They sleep in the open and make love,
uninhibited, in the light of the moon.

Viewed by the Romans with disdain
their ancient traditions have survived.
Although druidism is now on the fringe,
its  adherents’ rites  have been revived.

© Luigi Pagano 2015

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Comments

Submitted by Bee on

Very good, Luigi. Enjoyable to read, and at the same time, educational. 

Bee

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Alderley Edge is almost next door to where I live and, having visited the Edge many times, it seemed the right setting for my poem. The Edge is a ridge above the village and has an extensive view of the Cheshire Plain. It is owned by the National Trust and opened to the public. Archaeological evidence indicates that mining took place here during Roman times and the Bronze Age.  The existence of many caves has given rise to myths of witches covens and wizards such as Merlin.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Hello there, Luigi.  I too learned a lot from your poem. I have a sister-in-law who lives hard by Alderley Edge so I shall definitely do my best to try to encourage her to 'spill the beans' so to speaksmiley

Great poem, as ever.

Tina xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Don't expect many revelations, Tina. 'Making love' under moonlight was a poetic licence on my part and can't swear to its veracity. Mind you, the rest of the poem owes a lot to my imagination as well.
The important thing is that you liked it. Thanks for reading.

Luigi xxx

 

 

Submitted by Deliberately Ev... on

really interesting and a glorious way of presenting history.

The beat of your heart is the mellifluent rhythm to my soul.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

There is only a limited amount of narrative that one can put in a poem. I try to combine facts and poetry to make it interesting and informative. History can be a great source of inspiration.
Thanks for your feedback, Holly. Very welcomed.

Luigi