As a child, this poem, along with Maurice Sendak's "Outside Over There" simultaneously entranced and terrified me. I was always on the look out for faeries that might swap me for a changeling.
Miranda, I was that same child... though I don’t know the story you mention my overly believing mind created imaginations far beyond the realms of reality and I too feared many forms, real or otherwise; fairies, witches especially, goblins, trolls, wolves, later even werewolves too. I spoke of these only when they appeared in nightmares that pulled me sobbing from my bed... I still have the strangest dreams even now. X
Have a look for the book. It's a classic. I always found the illustrations a little disturbing. The faces, especially that of the baby, were very odd. But the story was magical and terrifying. I used to have nightmares about wolves when I was a kid. I have NO idea why. I had no direct experience of wolves at that age.
Oh my god. I used to dream about quicksand as well. How odd. Are these common dream themes? Were we all traumatised by the same stories that we've long since forgotten and only the dreams remain?
Good grief... and I thought I was the only silly fool who even thought of such absurd things to worry about and dream about! That has to be more than a coincidence surely? Race memory perhaps? I might have to research this at the weekend, I’m intrigued ! X
Truthfully Alexandra, I had no words of my own worthy of print so leaned on those of another... Yeats was the first that came to mind as I wandered back in the light of a setting sun, a rarity during these dark days of mid winter, and caught in the rays were the winter moths waking from sleep... they looked just like fairies!
Thank you so much for including me here. Yeats and The Waterboys are rather ridiculous company to keep! I too love that poem, which probably doesn't surprise you, and I also love The Waterboys (not quite as much as some of my sisters, although I take big-brother credit for introducing their work to them!).
I found it really interesting, just how many posts I saw popping up centred around the new year, as you say. I suspect you place a bunch of writers together in one place and that's what you get. I'm being sneaky and including my own version as an addendum to the piece I'm trying to finish about the walk collaboration posts. (I thought it wise to wait until the background noise from so many other pieces quietened a wee bit.)
You’re very welcome, your writing on the Sea, as Artist was truly enviable.
Ahh but what wonderful company nevertheless Alex!
I am a huge fan of The Waterboys, I have been for many decades, it is rare not to hear something of theirs in my music mixes and I doubt I could pick a favorite if I tried?
And, strangely, since writing this post I have learned of an old friend who subscribes (bless him) actually being related to Yeats, he is trying to find out more the family home in Co Sligo; Elsinore, where his great grandfather lived. I’m looking forward to reading wha he has to say.
I hope the snow isn’t causing problems where you are, here it never arrived. It’s normal...
I'm not sure I could pick a favourite of theirs, either. It very much depends on mood, I think. And yes, certainly wonderful company!
That's exciting about your friend, it is always a source of wonder, how we can discover these things just by our posting some words on a subject. This sharing, this community, is a powerful thing.
As far as snow goes, I've never been anywhere where they are so quick and efficient at dealing with it. To get to our village by car, from November to March is technically illegal without snowchains or four-season/winter tyres. There are signs warning which roads are closed, which you'll need chains for etcetera. All remarkably efficient, completely the opposite to the UK! The way up the mountain behind us remains open, just under snow higher up. I think we'll be driving up there on Sunday to play in the snow! (15 minutes is all it takes to be at the ski station.) I'd love to send you some snow, but I fear it would melt before it arrived.
Damn, I just wrote a reply and the WiFi crashed! Suffice to say, thank you for the offer of snow... I agree though, I’m not sure it would make it before it melts and truly, we have enough water already!
Also, yes! This truly is an extraordinary place to hang out... although I truly wish Substack would do something about the quality of photo sharing here... grrrr!
Thank you, so much Jo, if the truth be known, I shared words of another because my own wouldn’t flow... with my head filled with back to work French paperwork and reports, not one line felt worthy of writing. I guess it happens?
I’m glad you enjoyed those of Yeats though, what a beautiful and mystical mind he had...✨
If only I had time to step back, it seems I have two parts to my life, as do most but I feel mine so strongly, days for children and days for family, the in between (for me) are rarely more than a few snatched moments I try to keep calm and filled with wonder by walking. There are days though when I could walk out of the door and just carry right on walking into the distance... to hell with everyone! Do you get that? Sounds terrible to write it down but...
They were YOUR words Susie, that resonated the most, as much as I enjoy Yeats. 😊
I hear you on all fronts.
I hope you can find the moments to walk in wonder. It feels to me that such things are the most essential on our list of "to-do's". We must tend to our own souls first so we can give of our best in all other areas of our life. It's a fast track road to resentment if we don't somehow find a way to carve out that ME time. 🙏
The Waterboys are still one of my all time favourite bands Elske, it was while trying (and failing) to rid myself of a huge box of old cd’s that I remembered they had put The Stolen Child to music... happy memories flooded back! As I hope they did for you too my lovely xxxx
What an appropriate mingling of wonders and deep sorrow as the child grows and explores but cannot yet grasp what humans are capable of doing. As I followed the lines, I sensed my mother tracing one of her many beloved poets, along for the ride ... thank you, Susie.
Hello sweet soul, thank you for lovely words. I must interrogate further on which poets dear Althea read, next call, brace yourself! I have always loved this particular WB Yeats, there is a deep knowing mixed in with those mystical words... as there often was in his poetry. It has been the cause of many emails flying back and forth between my old friends Bill and June who owned the renovated barn at Nespoulières, Bill’s great grandad lived at Elsinore in Co Sligo, he was a recluse but always welcomed Yeats, a nephew into his home. Which means Bill is actually related... how wonderful is that! Love and hugs sweetie... I will call you Wednesday xxxx
There have indeed been very many planning and resolutions posts. I decided on my own antithesis for all this and wrote about all my many failures instead. I have picked a word of the year though. It felt right. Gorgeous reading your words as always Susie 💛
Emily I loved yours! And it resonated so loudly... I have not made a resolution in years but this year I’ve decided to jot ideas instead, if they’re fulfilled, fantastic, if not well they’re still there for whenever the mood takes me but either way there are no self recriminations! X
Thank you Lynn, I am a bit-make that a huge-fan of The Waterboys, I studied this poem at school quite a few eons ago now, but it has always been one I return to...
Yes, I always think other peoples resolutions should be kept to themselves... perhaps if they weren’t shouted out loud, there would feel less feeling failure when when it happens - which it inevitably does...
I've seen The Waterboys live a couple of times and enjoy their music - I shall listen to this with new ears now.
I don't do resolutions - I have vague directions that I would like to travel along throughout the year, but remain open to whatever comes along - much less stressful!
As a child, this poem, along with Maurice Sendak's "Outside Over There" simultaneously entranced and terrified me. I was always on the look out for faeries that might swap me for a changeling.
Miranda, I was that same child... though I don’t know the story you mention my overly believing mind created imaginations far beyond the realms of reality and I too feared many forms, real or otherwise; fairies, witches especially, goblins, trolls, wolves, later even werewolves too. I spoke of these only when they appeared in nightmares that pulled me sobbing from my bed... I still have the strangest dreams even now. X
Have a look for the book. It's a classic. I always found the illustrations a little disturbing. The faces, especially that of the baby, were very odd. But the story was magical and terrifying. I used to have nightmares about wolves when I was a kid. I have NO idea why. I had no direct experience of wolves at that age.
I am intrigued Miranda! I shall Google it in my coffee break this morning.
Yes! Wolves often starred in my dreams too, also quick sands… neither of which I’ve ever encountered either!
Oh my god. I used to dream about quicksand as well. How odd. Are these common dream themes? Were we all traumatised by the same stories that we've long since forgotten and only the dreams remain?
Good grief... and I thought I was the only silly fool who even thought of such absurd things to worry about and dream about! That has to be more than a coincidence surely? Race memory perhaps? I might have to research this at the weekend, I’m intrigued ! X
Thank you Susie, for taking us away from the Earth and leading us on a little meander into the other world. 🧚🏼♀️
Truthfully Alexandra, I had no words of my own worthy of print so leaned on those of another... Yeats was the first that came to mind as I wandered back in the light of a setting sun, a rarity during these dark days of mid winter, and caught in the rays were the winter moths waking from sleep... they looked just like fairies!
I’m glad you enjoyed them lovely, thank you xx
Thank you so much for including me here. Yeats and The Waterboys are rather ridiculous company to keep! I too love that poem, which probably doesn't surprise you, and I also love The Waterboys (not quite as much as some of my sisters, although I take big-brother credit for introducing their work to them!).
I found it really interesting, just how many posts I saw popping up centred around the new year, as you say. I suspect you place a bunch of writers together in one place and that's what you get. I'm being sneaky and including my own version as an addendum to the piece I'm trying to finish about the walk collaboration posts. (I thought it wise to wait until the background noise from so many other pieces quietened a wee bit.)
Thanks again.
You’re very welcome, your writing on the Sea, as Artist was truly enviable.
Ahh but what wonderful company nevertheless Alex!
I am a huge fan of The Waterboys, I have been for many decades, it is rare not to hear something of theirs in my music mixes and I doubt I could pick a favorite if I tried?
And, strangely, since writing this post I have learned of an old friend who subscribes (bless him) actually being related to Yeats, he is trying to find out more the family home in Co Sligo; Elsinore, where his great grandfather lived. I’m looking forward to reading wha he has to say.
I hope the snow isn’t causing problems where you are, here it never arrived. It’s normal...
I'm not sure I could pick a favourite of theirs, either. It very much depends on mood, I think. And yes, certainly wonderful company!
That's exciting about your friend, it is always a source of wonder, how we can discover these things just by our posting some words on a subject. This sharing, this community, is a powerful thing.
As far as snow goes, I've never been anywhere where they are so quick and efficient at dealing with it. To get to our village by car, from November to March is technically illegal without snowchains or four-season/winter tyres. There are signs warning which roads are closed, which you'll need chains for etcetera. All remarkably efficient, completely the opposite to the UK! The way up the mountain behind us remains open, just under snow higher up. I think we'll be driving up there on Sunday to play in the snow! (15 minutes is all it takes to be at the ski station.) I'd love to send you some snow, but I fear it would melt before it arrived.
Damn, I just wrote a reply and the WiFi crashed! Suffice to say, thank you for the offer of snow... I agree though, I’m not sure it would make it before it melts and truly, we have enough water already!
Also, yes! This truly is an extraordinary place to hang out... although I truly wish Substack would do something about the quality of photo sharing here... grrrr!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words Susie, both from yourself and others.
A time for you to restore and replenish now, after all you have given to those around you in the crazy busy last few weeks.
Enjoy, and keep seeing the magic. xx
Thank you, so much Jo, if the truth be known, I shared words of another because my own wouldn’t flow... with my head filled with back to work French paperwork and reports, not one line felt worthy of writing. I guess it happens?
I’m glad you enjoyed those of Yeats though, what a beautiful and mystical mind he had...✨
If only I had time to step back, it seems I have two parts to my life, as do most but I feel mine so strongly, days for children and days for family, the in between (for me) are rarely more than a few snatched moments I try to keep calm and filled with wonder by walking. There are days though when I could walk out of the door and just carry right on walking into the distance... to hell with everyone! Do you get that? Sounds terrible to write it down but...
Sending freezing hugs xxx
They were YOUR words Susie, that resonated the most, as much as I enjoy Yeats. 😊
I hear you on all fronts.
I hope you can find the moments to walk in wonder. It feels to me that such things are the most essential on our list of "to-do's". We must tend to our own souls first so we can give of our best in all other areas of our life. It's a fast track road to resentment if we don't somehow find a way to carve out that ME time. 🙏
As you well know I love Yeats, in particular this poem and song by the Waterboys. It's on my list of favourites, never tire listening to it.
Me neither lovely although it seemed like a long time when I hit play on this... and I do think the music suits those mystical words so well... xxx
Truly wonderful and The Waterboys are a gift, they remind me of my wonderful brother 🙏
The Waterboys are still one of my all time favourite bands Elske, it was while trying (and failing) to rid myself of a huge box of old cd’s that I remembered they had put The Stolen Child to music... happy memories flooded back! As I hope they did for you too my lovely xxxx
What an appropriate mingling of wonders and deep sorrow as the child grows and explores but cannot yet grasp what humans are capable of doing. As I followed the lines, I sensed my mother tracing one of her many beloved poets, along for the ride ... thank you, Susie.
Hello sweet soul, thank you for lovely words. I must interrogate further on which poets dear Althea read, next call, brace yourself! I have always loved this particular WB Yeats, there is a deep knowing mixed in with those mystical words... as there often was in his poetry. It has been the cause of many emails flying back and forth between my old friends Bill and June who owned the renovated barn at Nespoulières, Bill’s great grandad lived at Elsinore in Co Sligo, he was a recluse but always welcomed Yeats, a nephew into his home. Which means Bill is actually related... how wonderful is that! Love and hugs sweetie... I will call you Wednesday xxxx
There have indeed been very many planning and resolutions posts. I decided on my own antithesis for all this and wrote about all my many failures instead. I have picked a word of the year though. It felt right. Gorgeous reading your words as always Susie 💛
Emily I loved yours! And it resonated so loudly... I have not made a resolution in years but this year I’ve decided to jot ideas instead, if they’re fulfilled, fantastic, if not well they’re still there for whenever the mood takes me but either way there are no self recriminations! X
Yes! Here’s to no self recriminations Susie 🥰
What a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing, Susie.
Many thanks lovely Lisha, I have always loved the magic in this poem, although when dissected it actually touches on the politics of the era too...
That was enchanting, Susie - for all the times I’ve heard that ‘song’, I had no idea it was a poem by Yeats. Lovely!
And you’re right, I’ve had more than my fill of to do resolutions or not, lists, leaning into or out of whatever, etc etc 😂
Thank you Lynn, I am a bit-make that a huge-fan of The Waterboys, I studied this poem at school quite a few eons ago now, but it has always been one I return to...
Yes, I always think other peoples resolutions should be kept to themselves... perhaps if they weren’t shouted out loud, there would feel less feeling failure when when it happens - which it inevitably does...
I've seen The Waterboys live a couple of times and enjoy their music - I shall listen to this with new ears now.
I don't do resolutions - I have vague directions that I would like to travel along throughout the year, but remain open to whatever comes along - much less stressful!