Photo, New Zealand, 2005 by Marie-Claire Holmes
The Poetry Thursday prompt is "a song of yourself." I'm busy getting ready for five weeks in Spain and didn't have time to write a poem. So I've chosen The Ancient Rhythm, a timeless verse from Selected Poems by Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1835).
The Ancient Rhythm
The ancient rhythm which belongs to bare feet,
That rhythm of the nymphs, pattern repeated,
When in the grove's shade
They beat out the dance sound,
Remember, you, and do it, on the white
Shore which the sea-form leaves dark; you, still
children
Who are not yet cured
Of being cured, restore
Rousingly the round, while Apollo bends
Like a high branch, the blue curve which he goldens,
And the perennial tide
Runs on, flowing or ebbing.
Gorgeous photo...and you know I love anything pertaining to rhythm, so I really enjoyed the poem.
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 September 2006 at 01:17
that is a great photo; so rare to get that high into the trees to shoot down on the trees. Topf of the world.
btw; your cluster map is just amazing too!!
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 23 September 2006 at 08:09
Oh my, how glorius that photo is! So beautiful, every time I see a new picture of New Zealand, I am even more determined to have it as the location for my (eventual) wedding.
Gorgeous!
Posted by: jos | 22 September 2006 at 21:27
Great poem! i especially love the first line (being a lover of walking the earth bare-footed). it drew me into the poem and i couldn't stop reading. thanks!
Posted by: leonie | 22 September 2006 at 20:41
Beautiful poem, Tara thanks for sharing. Also, you pick the most beautiful pictures. This one literally stunned me with its beauty! Thanks again.
Posted by: Lotus | 22 September 2006 at 19:25
Hi,
I liked the title ancient rythm!
I wish you a very happy five weeks in Spain!
Posted by: abhay | 22 September 2006 at 14:26
This is a lovely poem! Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Kamsin | 22 September 2006 at 11:35
Pessoa is a great writer but this was a new poem to me - thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | 22 September 2006 at 10:37
Catherine, thank you. The original poem was in Portuguese.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 22 September 2006 at 10:07
Lovely poem - is the original in Spanish? I hope you have a great trip.
Posted by: Catherine | 22 September 2006 at 07:43
Beautiful photo..beautiful poetry..pack light.
Posted by: naturegirl | 22 September 2006 at 05:22
Tara! Glad that you took a moment to post this lovely poem whilst busying yourself with all the travel preparations. xo, d
Posted by: Deborah | 22 September 2006 at 02:42
The first line speaks volumes to me.
Please please say you will be writing regularly from Sevilla.
Wait! let me grab my flamenco shoes...
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 22 September 2006 at 02:34
Beautiful poem.........almost as beautiful as yours.
Enjoy your adventure.......eyes wide open, heart wide open........
Thank you for introducing me to Ali. I read part of her blog and have bookmarked it. I also bookmarked the poetry thursday site...may attempt it this fall.
Take care.
Posted by: awareness | 22 September 2006 at 01:41
If I didn't know better I would have thought that the picture was at Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 22 September 2006 at 00:20
Di, thanks for identifying the precise location.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 21 September 2006 at 23:46
Loved the poem and adored the photograph of Queenstown!
I lived nearby for 5 years and loved that small mountain town with a quiet passion :)
Posted by: Di | 21 September 2006 at 23:41
The picture is gorgeous and the poem enchanting :)
Stay in touch!!!! Wish I could squeeze in you suitcase :) Two yrs HS Spanish? No? I am so excited for you! I want you to eat something you've never had and take LOTS of pics!
XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 21 September 2006 at 23:16