Mabh Savage
Words and the world passing by; how it sings to me; how I clamour back.
World Book Day
After accepting that mummy simply did not have the skill nor the will to fabricate a Harry Potter costume overnight, Nathan decided he would ‘wear a word’ which is a great option this year. Especially for those of us with dubious organisational skills and poor sewing ability. Oh, and no spare £20 to run down to Asda with.
I asked him what his favourite word was, and after a few false starts, and a debate about whether proper nouns counted (Pokémon and Minecraft were mentioned), he decided that his favourite word was ‘Magic’. I can’t deny that I’m quite delighted by that. Every child should have some magic in their lives, and I’m glad Nathan sees some in his.
He’s taken The Weirdstone of Brisingamen in as his book to share, a childhood favourite of mine, full of British folklore, that I now get to share with him. This parenting lark is pretty cool sometimes.
Doves and Pigeons
Image copyright: Columba Oenas, Stock Dove; Jim Gifford via Wikimedia Commons.
Doves are generally known as birds of peace; the bearer of the olive branch at the end of the flood. The great thing about researching my book of magical birds, is finding juxtapositions to commonly held beliefs. I found today, that in some Southern American States, the sound of doves cooing was thought to portent bad luck or black magic. Furthermore, one could not chase the birds away, as this may anger the witch who had sent them.
The Journal of American Folklore tells us that wood-pigeons are a sign of either ill or good fortune- not very helpful, I grant you! Apparently the sounds it makes will foretell the outcome of your endeavours. Sadly, it’s not clear which sounds herald good news.
Another tale tells of how a wood pigeon ‘wailed’ whilst Jesus was dying on the cross, trying to alleviate his agony with its song. Cheery.
Plenty
Plenty of fish in the
Shop, striking, slicing batter and
Chip off the old block
Out the lights, the blinding
Light the candle, don’t curse the
Dark before dawn, the morn, the
Yawning chasm of emptiness
Jumping and leaping from
One idea island to another
Can’t get feet wet
Can’t step on the crack
Don’t want
To break my back.
My Tuesday Valentine
I know it’s Valentine’s Day
A Christian throwback
To a Roman party
Whips and wolves
Reduced to discount chocolates
Cards compete
In the cheese wars;
Drawers renewed
With lingerie that
Doesn’t fit.
I know it makes no sense
This consumerist cock up
Of religious fervour
Spend lend bend
Your will to the masses
But something pulls
Me to tell you
Happy Valentine’s Day
May these arms never leave
May your chest never heave
With sorrow I cause
Pause a while in this moment
Drink tea with me
Stroke the cat
(Not a euphemism
Really)
Seal our love
With a sideways kiss
Avoiding my cold sore
Slight nose bump
Stubble on my cheek.
No, never perfect;
Better than.
Imbolc Flowers
I was looking back through some old posts and was delighted with the flowers and offerings I photographed in 2014, so here they are again.
How will you be celebrating the coming spring?
Food Alert: Iranian Style Veg Stew
Totally vegan, totally by accident! Onion, spuds, squash, tomatoes, ras el hanout, cabbage, parsley and just a touch of preserved lemon.
Mabh Savage 