Dreams of Truth.

[Delta40]

I dreamed of mermaid's purses
emptied of all their eggs
along the beach.
The moon chimed the time
for me to disrobe my chains
of handfasting.
So I wandered into
the forest of Ettrick
and looked for the shepherd
to guide me to wakefulness
to wisdom, to peace.
A swaying lantern and a crook,
I followed him as he sang,
Down among the dead men
let me lie.
I woke under the table
surrounded by empty bottles
and my own filth.

[ShadowsCool]

Ah, suprise ending. Very rough but realistic. I guess that was the point you were making. That sometimes an adventure ends in muck. Or a dream ends in reality. Nice thoughts.

[Hawkman]

Looking at the references here, handfasting, the forest of Ettrick (it's not insignificant that 'trick' :)) "down among the dead men..." this is ultimately a poem about being led astray, perhaps by another, or the spirit of one's own desires and fantasies. The title would seem to be ironic in the face of the conclusion, or perhaps indicates that truth is subjective. Perhaps the aftermath is the lie...

I love the way this trips in and out of legend and folkloric fable, Delta.

Live and be well - H

[PrinceMyshkin]

"I woke under the table" etcetera is one of the most deft instances I've encountered of a rug being pulled from under one's feet! But very Deltally rich and vivid all the way through.

[hallaig]

The Dead Men are empty bottles, eh? Sounds like a right old drunken night. No sure why you're following James Hogg about, though!

[Delta40]

The Dead Men are empty bottles, eh? Sounds like a right old drunken night. No sure why you're following James Hogg about, though!

Och I dinna noo! :biggrin5: