I have a bundle of poems, songs, stories, folklore, and tunes that I pull out when winter comes. The ninth century Irish poem that begins: “I Have News for You” is the first I bring forth.
I have news for you
The stag bells, winter snows, summer is gone.
Wind high and cold, the sun low, short its course
The sea running high.
Deep red the bracken, its shape is lost
The wild goose has raised its accustomed cry
Cold has seized the birds’ wings
Season of ice
This is my news.
— Anon.
In this video I perform the poem with my Triplett Luna bronze-wire strung harp. Look for more videos in the coming weeks in which I celebrate the coming of winter with harp, song, poetry, and maybe even a story.
What are your favorite poems, stories, songs for winter and the holiday season? Share them and any thoughts about the poem, or anything about the coming of winter in the comment box below!
I just had to share this lovely video of electric harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and renowned guitarist Mason Williams playing “Classical Gas”.
As a harper myself, I’m always delighted and impressed when harper/ists (or any musicians, for that matter) make what they do look so relaxed and easy. These two musicians have a great synergy, and Deborah Henson-Conant’s lever flips are simply and elegantly executed themselves (very impressive to me!).
Shell Wakefield, heroine of the children’s magical fiction novel, Because Of The Red Fox, is stunned. Leaves the Red Fox offers comfort of a kind.
FoxTales 1 – Draft by Jane Valencia
Shell: I don’t believe it.
Leaves: What don’t you believe, Shell?
Shell:FoxTales ... the blog comic. Jane even sketched out a bunch of episodes. To the right is the first one. It was supposed to be about us.
Leaves: Just because a novel was all about us doesn’t mean everything has to be about us.
Shell: Oh, I know that! The world isn’t all about me. But even you got into the first comic!
Leaves: Lucky me. You know why your cousins got into the first one, though.
Shell: Because Annie stood like a tree?
Leaves: She was relevant.
Shell: … because what she was doing tied into last week’s blog post. Fine! So the secret of relevance is to stand like a tree.
Leaves: In the short term. But, indeed, fame and a fortune cookie could well be yours by standing like a tree. Certainly one of the secrets of a happy life is yours for the taking by doing so. Look how much fun this Red Alder sapling is having.
A young Red Alder power poses victory – photo by Jane Valencia
Shell: But that’s what Red Alders do by their very nature ….
Leaves: And take note of the Sword Ferns in the photo below. Don’t they look like they’re having a fantastic fiesta?
Shell: Well, yes — actually, they do! Don’t tell me they’re imitating trees too.
Leaves: No! Of course, not. Look at those fox tails — try them out yourself, Shell.
Shell: What? Oh … I get it. So all I have to do to get into my own comic is to imitate you, Leaves? That seems ridiculous ….
Leaves: Do that! Have a little mischievous fun. There, Shell. Very good. You even got my whiskers. Now look at the comic again. Is that me in it, or you?
Shell: Hm! Okay, Readers – what about you? What happens to you if you stand like a tree or imitate Leaves? (or ferns or other fantastic creatures inside, outside, or in your imaginations). Please share your adventures below!
END!
Sword Ferns imitating Leaves the Red Fox – photo by Jane Valencia
