The Song of Amergin

Modified by Atashih. The meaning of the original poem by Amergin is lost when put into this format, but my intent was for emotional rather than intellectual impact.

I am a stag of seven tines

I am a flood across the desert wastes

I was born by the caress of the wind on the water

From a tear of the sun I fall to earth, glittering fair among flowers

I am the salmon in the dark pool and the hawk that stoops and strikes

I am a ravening boar in the woods

I am both the hunter’s heart and the hart’s blood

.

I am the terrifying roar of the winter sea

I am the tempestuous roar of newborn blood

I am the brilliance of the summer sun

I am the owl, and the waning moon is my branch

I am snow and sleet and ice

I am smoke and fire and flame

I am the song of all seasons, and of none

.

I am the mighty oak and the lightning that blasts it

I am the tremulous howl of a silver wolf

I am the wisdom of the ages and the aged

I am a spear besmeared with battle’s blood

And the fairest poem of beauty’s pen

I am the barley that gives life and the barleycorn that gives mirth

Who but I can turn the spiral of rebirth?

.

I am flaming horns and darkest tomb

I am the tree growing on the windswept cliff

I am the ceaseless crashing surf that levels the mountain

And the receding wave that reveals an island

Who but I holds all things within the space of an acorn?

Who but I knows the secrets of the unhewn dolmen?

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