Blog No. 3. LANDS END SOLSTICE EVE 2022
by George Pritchard
Belerion that name so boldsounds around these rocks so old
the tribe their torches held up high,
waiting a sign from Gods in the sky
Then thunder rolled and lightning flashed,
a force so strong it made them gasp.
Would Merlin appear from beneath the sea,
bringing his message, sweet harmony?
Then suddenly - still - the sea became,
someone whispered the wizards name.
The land held in winters grip so strong,
they knew he could break by using song.
These Celtic folk who had always been,
seen as crafty killing machines,
were truly minstrels, with voices strong,
conducted by Merlin with his wand.
The first cord sounded it was so deep,
the earth it trembled, rocks seemed to creep.
The song was almost as old as man
and told how winter and spring began;
told of a battle on Pendarves Moor,
when mortal fought God to even the score.
The picture was painted by choir so sweet,
basses and altos made them weep.
They told how Llwyd fought to keep
his Winter's grip on the Earth so deep.
How he stole the Sun so nothing grew;
accepted a challenge because he knew
that no mortal on Earth him could defeat,
he'd strike and knock him off his feet.
Taking up axe and sword he strode
onto the battlefield so bold.
Once more Merlin his wand did wave
and lighting forked out o'er the waves.
The tenors then took up the sound,
it was like bird song all around.
They told how Manawydan so bold,
swore a promise to uphold
to rescue the Sun that was the quest
and how in battle he'd do his best.
Backwards and forwards the battle waged,
first bass and altos sang a phrase
Then words so quiet it did seem
that tenors were beaten, on their knees.
But through it all they told the quest,
how good beat evil in the test.
How one last thrust of the sword
had meant that Llwyd ruled no more.
The voices swelled on Belerion's cliffs,
bass and alto - tenors crisp,
a last crescendo sent o'er the waves.
The mighty sun god they did praise.
as dawn spread out beams from the east;
putting down wand, Merlin said "Let's Feast".
Another year had begun:
they'd won the battle for the sun.
But time has passed, another God rules
and now its mortals who act like fools
who think that they can rule the Earth
with guns and bombs; it is a curse.
Solstice became Christmas it's plain to see
yet still we see the misery
of children dying at mother's breast
Once more its time to take up the quest.
Our Celtic voices must ring clear
for truth and freedom to rule here.
Peace on earth, goodwill to men,
Let us sing the song again
Once more old Merlin wave your wand,
we'll raise our voices loud in song ,
like a mighty organ 'till it's done:
raising our voices till the battles won.
Taff Thomas of Sennen allowed me to use his photo of a sunset at the Lands End to illustrate this year's Solstice poem which is set at Lands End. My previous Solstice poem can be viewed at Allpoetry.com by clicking te link below.
[ SOLSTICE STORY ] - a poem by GeorgeP - All Poetry
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