General Poetry posted May 10, 2024


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Pastoral Poetry from Lincolnshire

Witham Valley

by Mark Jackson

Sun rose misty above these reeds

Bitterns boom was heard low and clear

Fowl, fish, and flora; this land met needs

When we spoke, our ancestors would hear

♦

The old gods lived in this wetland

Before you claimed rights to its shore

From our causeways votives laid by hand

Named dead barrowed, below earth they cared for

♦

Monolith church looms over our Witham

Stationed abbeys twelve on this modest Fenland

Blocked access by log boat to cause a schism

Our gods went to sleep, not forsaken but banned

♦

Your holy houses have fallen in spurn

Our Customs are longer rooted than yours

Remote rituals preserved in myth can return

Belief is Persistent and Grant Avon endures

♦

Forget El, return to the way we began

Offer praise for our river goddess’ return

Give the Lamb to Marsh Wyrm or Tiddy Mun

Look back for guidance, show nature concern

♦

Sun still rises misty above these reeds

Again, Bitterns boom heard low and clear

Fowl, fish, and flora may again meet our needs

When we speak our ancestors will hear


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Pastoral Poetry writing prompt entry
Writing Prompt
A pastoral poem explores the fantasy of withdrawing from modern life to live in an idyllic rural setting. All pastoral poetry draws on the tradition of the ancient Greek poet Theocritus, who wrote romanticized visions of shepherds living rich and fulfilled lives. Write a rhymed poem with its focus on idyllic country life that would be characterized as pastoral poetry.

For an example read: The Bait BY JOHN DONNE
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44094/the-bait-56d2230bf176d


Bittern: A European water bird the male has a loud booming call.
Named dead barrowed: In the bronze age, warriors or named men would be buried under barrows and remembered for many generations.
Monolith church: Lincoln Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world.
Grant Avon: An Ancient British god of the Water.
El: The original Levantine God.
Lamb: Traditional sacrifice.
Marsh Wyrm: Folkloric Lincolnshire dragon
Tiddy Mun: A legendary bog spirit in Lincolnshire, was believed to have the ability to control the waters and mists.
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