When Ravens Fly

It was on the eve of Sunday, November 2nd, 1834
The day grew dark and gloomy like it never had before
Island sounds in diminish, a hush befalls my ears
The community of Amhuinnsuidhe was about to enter fear

A Princess known as Raven who died in years gone by
Foretold before her death beware when Ravens fly
For out there in the Minch a mist will waft it's way
Azure skies will fade and turn a graphite grey

Periodic clouds of jet will shadow in drifts of gloom
The underbellies of the Ravens show, soon they'll share their doom
And on the tor she'll stand silently looking over her lands
Dressed in black, in her now greying ebony strands

As she turns to face the village, her Ravens circle overhead
Whilst the mist now starts to settle revealing the islands dead
Ancient burial stones now rise from their overgrown sacred grounds
Shadows from a forgotten past arise in ghostly abound

Cloaked darkened shapes slowly drift on their mists of time
Silent in their approach to Amhuinnsuidhe they'll undermine
Carnage will be their cater to avenge their Princesses death
To cast out all the living to leave this community reft

The above I read to you, are the memories of who survived
My ancestors escaped this day, and I'm thankful they never died
As I look out on the Minch, at grey clouds looming in the skies
My mind recalls words earlier read, beware when Ravens fly






This is James Fraser's entry into Constance's 'Among the Dead' contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Brown Avatar
February 24, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I had only read a couple of the poems and wanted so badly to enter but...too many things were going on and didn't get to. I knew Constance would have a time selecting her winners. There is a long list of winners here. You should be so proud of your winning poem congratulations James. Love, Carol
Poet Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Wonderful story James!Congrats on your big win.
Devonshire Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 6:17 AM
So happy to see your awesome poem in the winners' circle, James. Congratulations, dear Highlander! Love, Carolyn
Onclaud Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 5:34 AM
absolutely beautiful and very evocative,james. my happy cheers to you for the fine win :) huggs, nette
George   Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Great story James. many congrat's on your BIG WIN. Lainie
Mannan Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 8:30 PM
Chilling end James. Lovely. many congratulations.
Pettit Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Superbly written James. Congratulations on winning in Constance's contest with this remarkable entry.
Johnson Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:20 PM
I enjoyed your story James. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Freeman Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Jolly good show James, congratulations on your honored fifth place win. Agape, Moses
Mehta Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 5:31 PM
Congratulations on the fourth place win in the contest of Constance, James
Haick Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Congratulations on your super fine win in the "Among the Dead" Contest, James! Well deservin win. Always, Annalise
Sweetheart Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 4:44 PM
Congrats James on your winning poem in Among the Dead with this exceptional entry luv.. enjoy another sweet success...
La France Avatar
January 28, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I just received your entry now, thanks for supporting my contest.
Knop Avatar
January 20, 2011 at 7:25 AM
Wow, James, Great story and perfectly penned" have a great time, Gert
Devonshire Avatar
January 17, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Wow!! Awesome story behind this poem, James. You're so creative and the details and images are very vivid. I hope you'll reconsider and enter this one in the contest because I'm sure Constance would love your take on that incredible picture. Love, Carolyn
George   Avatar
January 17, 2011 at 9:04 AM
When they say a picture paints a thousnad words, I know this to be true as do you. What a fantastic story, James. I love it. Thank you for sharing. Lainie
Onclaud Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 2:21 PM
oooh, james... explosive write; uncontested! more power to you! :)nette
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