The Maiden Lay in the Wilds: Translation
These are modern English translations of ancient Middle English poems.
The Maiden Lay in the Wilds
circa the 14th century
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The maiden in the moor lay,
in the moor lay;
seven nights full,
seven nights full,
the maiden in the moor lay,
in the moor lay,
seven nights full and a day.
Sweet was her meat.
But what was her
...
Continue reading...
Categories:
wilds, drink, heart, night, passion,
Form: Rhyme
Gypsy Wilds
Once upon a crystal ball in splendor
Well within the confines of the tent
Where light is not your friend
Slender fingers of the gorgeous girl
Using only wavering motions
Hover just above the glowing orb
Conjuring up the future from the past
By simply trembling into a formal trance
When the gypsy opens up her blazing eyes
Filled with wisdom from the ages
...
Continue reading...
Categories:
wilds, abuse, business, corruption, magic,
Form: Free verse
From the Wilds
They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts,
in that day when I make up my jewels (Mal. 3:17).
You combed the wide forlorn Wilds,
up the mountains, down the valleys.
You burrowed the rocks, searching
for a glint of your lost treasure.
You
...
Continue reading...
Categories:
wilds, christian,
Form: Free verse
Winter Wilds
Winter Wilds
Calm down the forest greens
Branchless trees stripped bare
Torn apart by weight
Broken limbs by seasons ice
Coupled with sinister wind
Blown away are the leaves and twigs
Tall trunks stand naked on the tundra
Wild, vast distances exposed
Clouds gather birds, insects with lost shelters, homes
No place to hide below their grayness
Placed on hold in cold solitude
What remains is
...
Continue reading...
Categories:
wilds, change, image, life, lonely,
Form: Free verse
A Savage Heart Out In the Wilds
Stranded on a deserted isle
your coconut friends stood by
but floated away in the storm
you sought a cave as a dorm
from the flux. You were left in rags
and after many years your eyes' heart in sags.
Those whom you've always thought would be there
have left you unbeknownst in the silent night.
You have become a bear in these
...
Continue reading...
Categories:
wilds, nature, voyage, war,
Form: Epic