A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 6: The Woodsman’s Song
Posted By Randy on December 26, 2014
“Winter Trackers – Coyote” by Robert Bateman Click to enlarge. (Source: http://robertbateman.ca/paintings/WinterTrackersCoyote.htm)
2014 is coming to its conclusion in a whirlwind of blood and hate that shows every likelihood of staining much of the world for some time to come. Of course, this doesn’t make 2014 particularly unique because there has never been a time in recorded history during which you couldn’t find, at any given moment, someone using lethal force to end that moment’s conflict over a patch of dirt somewhere. Even before the advent of recorded history we turn up stark evidence of homicide, as in the case of Ötzi – the Iceman.
Let me remind you though, Goode Reader, that while this is going on, all that is Truly Good in the World has persisted in the inspiration of Happiness and Fulfillment in spite of what sometimes looks like a losing battle against zealotry in all its flavours. Good against Evil. Light against Darkness. It has always been so and always will be, for what a grave mistake it would be to domesticate Humanity based on the excuse that some of us have a bad habit of being part of the problem instead of the solution. That some actually find happiness and fulfillment in doing harm, all the while, to the annoyance of the rest of us, avoiding a knife in the eye.
It will come as no surprise to you that my inspiration for today’s offering is drawn in no small part from the depths of splendour engendered by daily Life with my incomparable Wife, Bairn, Bairn(s) yet to be, and Canine Kinsmen. You should also know that a big piece of what follows is also inspired by the Friendship and Comradeship I enjoy, and am honoured by, from those of you who embrace the True Warrior Spirit. Who call me Friend. Those who may choose to ignore the daily bullshit spewed out by the bullshitters of the world, but who won’t be so accommodating when somebody needs to stand in the face of it where the creatures and principles held sacred lie in harm’s way.
All that being said, here is …
The Woodsman’s Song
By LFM
This Winter settled gentle
Where I hold my Hearth and Home.
But hard or soft, we’re ready here
To meet Her early gloam.
A year of Life is ending
At the cusp of one to be.
In health and joy, my Clan is here,
As I would hope for thee.
Yet horns of war and strife now blow,
And echo through the land.
Loud enough, I hear them yet
From where I choose to stand.
For Peace is in that place, you see,
That strife is furthest from,
But no vantage have I ever found
Whence I can’t hear its drum.
So be vigilant, my Kinsmen,
And stay ready for the Test.
Treasure thee what Peace ye find,
And hold it to your breast.
He plans to fail who wastes his time,
Thence fails to plan, ye ken?
Raise up your girls to Womanhood,
And hone your boys to Men!
Cultivate stout hearts and minds
For meeting earthly woes.
To be the Truest Comrade,
And most terrible of foes!
This Winter settled gentle
Where I hold my Hearth and Home.
But hard or soft, we’re ready here
To meet Her early gloam.
Let he who holds his life so light
As dares to cross the line,
Know the blood upon the snow
Won’t come from one of mine.
For Randy Whynacht – Christmas 2014
A Warrior’s Plaint
Oh, that I would bend my bow and vanquish an ignoble foe
Presuming to interfere with my delight on any day or night
I keep my peace and with stalwart poise I maintain my piece
Warrior brethren in the field and families alone without a shield
My snorting stallion and if not then my Spanish galleon
I rise and attack from their rear with noise in front so they do not hear
Never they know I come and then away I destroy them in my blessed way
My peace is kept and is never a waste as windswept
My blood I bleed if need be need
I think not of right or wrong but only of the heavenly guided deed
And so when I pass I have nurtured my seed
© S F K 2014.
For Randy Whynacht – Christmas 2014
A Warrior’s Plaint
Oh, that I would bend my bow and vanquish an ignoble foe
Presuming to interfere with my delight on any day or night
I keep my peace and with stalwart poise I maintain my piece
Warrior brethren in the field and families alone without a shield
My snorting stallion and if not then my Spanish galleon
I rise and attack from their rear with noise in front so they do not hear
Never they know I come and then away I destroy them in my blessed way
My peace is kept and is never a waste as windswept
My blood I bleed if need be need
I think not of right or wrong but only of the heavenly guided deed
And so when I pass I have nurtured my seed
© S F K 2014.
Did YOU write this? It is amazing!! It strikes a chord of the heart and spirit that echoes in a timeless way, a thought shared through countless generations. And if I may be so bold – and boastful – it reminds me of two pieces that I wrote along similar lines, though perhaps a bit darker. I have taken the liberty to send you those two via your 'comment/contact' page. Your piece is far superior but I hope that my efforts may bring you a moment's amusement. Please write more such deep and stirring works!
It is indeed one of my own, birthed yesterday after several months of gestation.
I would like to thank you for honouring me with your own poetry. I've read and reread what you sent me several times since finding them in my inbox, and would ask your permission to quote what you wrote, in whole or in part, in future items published here. You have skills my Friend.
It delights me that this singular piece of mine has invited such spirited response!
You may enjoy this one from last Summer – http://randy.whynacht.ca/archives/12072
Randy L. Whynacht By all means, I would be most honored to be quoted by one of your talent and skill. I humbly bow in your general direction;)