DARK ODYSSEY (Inspired by Patrick Leigh Fermor)

A tribute to a wonderful adventure writer and his book Between Woods and Water. Fermor writes prose but you think you're reading poetry. Inspired by his writing.

In dark latitudes
beyond the mountains
clouds gather
fluorescent and frosted
in a disturbing array
fidgeting
with summer lighting

Unknown figures
in the wilderness
bode ill
with spells and charms
keep close
to spreading spokes
of campfire light

In unreported river islands
lies an atmosphere
of pre-historic survival
where children look
like the adults
the refuge of an otherwise
extinct species.

Reviews

[MoriartyMesa]

I liked where this went, one or nine edits may be needed. But you hit the hammer on the nail.

[rutherford]

Thanks Moriarty. Welcome the edits you suggest since I'm posting here to improve. Cheers

[rutherford]

PS, you might like other poem, Seasonal Change

[Glen Yumang Manese]

I liked how this develops in the lines...an inspiration...as usual writes comes into light...and I must say this is a different look at your work...I was expecting the intended...assume wrong this time...I just finished my copy write after 30 days...28218 words kick my ...940.6 average a day...good night...my RR"s are not going down...

[Angi]

I have never heard of Fermor, this piece makes me want to look him up. Magical creatures from some pre historic time in shrouded mountaintops were some of the images this conjured for me. Sounds very interesting. Angi~

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

The word craft is impressive and you have penned a vivid imagery. I'm not familiar with Fermor, though. Might be time to check him out. :)

[OTownPete]

Lord, this made me immediately think of "The Lord of the Flies" Rutherford. Your friend in words, Pete

[Rita L. Sev]

This piece is an adventure of its own, a vivid and somewhat eerie tale starting to unfold.

[rutherford]

Maybe I should revise to "inspired by". I recently finished a PLF book Between Woods and Water and many of the images or actual phrases came from his descriptions and believe he should have credit accordingly. Much of the book is spent wondering the Carpathian Alps in Hungry and Romania and in particular Transylvania. I recommend it. Thanks for the review.

[Tam Warink]

I was searching for a PLF reference, something that would provide a context for this piece; didn't find it - but this is very nice as it stands, Rutherford. Most enjoyable and I'm sure, had I the background, deep with allegory and history. According to the few things I prep'd on before reading he was a world traveler so that might explain the expanse of this piece and the marvelous imagery. The final stanza is shrouded in mystery however. Perhaps some footnotes are in order?