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Open Poetry #42
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The Maypole
| Open Poetry #42 |
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The Maypole |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Spring Festival Day at Liberty School. So many beautiful flowers. The day is sunny but cool following a day of showers. On the lawn in front of the school the maypole soars toward the sky. A magnificent sight in the eyes of a child. Brightly colored streamers hang trembling in the wind while the dancers stand and wait for the music to begin... It all seems so long ago. There is no maypole now. For one sad reason or another it has disappeared, somehow, fulfilling some misguided duty to create a world bereft of beauty. Ida [This message has been edited by Marchmadness (03-02-2008 03:06 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2008 Ida Werrett - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Ida, This is very nice. In all my 71 years, I have never seen a Maypole. They must not be big here on the streets of Philadelphia. I've heard of them though. I think the kids here would like them. Right now it's stick ball season, and the everypresent hoops. Bobby |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
When I was a little girl, I used to have dreams of me wearing a pink and white pinafore, with my long hair in ringlets and adorned with flowers, going around a ribboned Maypole with a fresh, spring breeze blowing. The air was so fresh and all seemed new and pure. Perhaps those dreams were past-life recalls.   Thank you for bringing them back to me.  Linda |
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effjayel Senior Member
since 2007-09-30
Posts 1474At the Crossroads of Infinity |
In Barwick in Elmet ( a little village in West Yorkshire ) - A Maypole of 87 feet is traditionally raised anew every three years (2002, 5, 8 etc) on the Tuesday after the Spring Bank Holiday. The maypole is raised by ladder parties without the aid of modern machinery. Someone then climbs the pole to untie the ropes. Lowering the Maypole takes place at Easter. I have friends who live in Barwick & will be taking Rhiannon over at Easter weekend to stay with them for the week (health permitting) I hope to either witness the Maypole going up or coming down. ...Good write Ida, brought back memories of my childhood, Morris dancers etc...here is the link for pics etc.. . http://www.halikeld.f9.co.uk/traditions/barwick/barwick1.htm John |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I also enjoyed the info I learned from FJL's link! Thanks John! Linda |
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effjayel Senior Member
since 2007-09-30
Posts 1474At the Crossroads of Infinity |
Linda, Any similarity to yard arms is purely co incidental.... |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
A beautiful write, dear Ida! So many traditions fade away ... it's nice to remember though. love Margherita |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Thank you all for your comments. John- Thank you for the info. I hope you take your daughter to see the maypole, it is one of my fondest childhood memories. I have been reading that some of the old traditions are making a bit of a comeback in the green isles. Ida |
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LadyTom Member
since 2008-02-29
Posts 353LA, CA |
everything is beautiful in this thread. Love the poem and all the replies.  |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
They were beautiful memories Ida but a little sad towards the end It all seems so long ago. There is no maypole now. For one sad reason or another it has disappeared, somehow, But time does march on and we can't turn back the clock but it is wonderful to have such sweet memories. Much enjoyed Ida dear. Lindsay |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
The last two lines of this fine (nostalgic) 'write' rather effectively encapsulate the "Runaway American Dream!": "...some misguided duty to create a world bereft of beauty(!)" Applause for this 'penning!!' |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
"Brightly colored streamers hang trembling in the wind" What a great line, and wonderful memory, Ida. I remember dancing 'round a Maypole. We had so much fun, turning the day into a celebration of sun, flowers and dance. It's a shame it isn't still done, for Maypole dancing is one of my fondest memories, and I think children would still enjoy it today. |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Marchmadness, thank you for this wonderful read-- Indeed too, I love SPRING!, all the wonderful and colorful flowers!, The warm and cool breeze, Not to chilly, but not to hot.. Just perfect...  ARCTIC WIND |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Ida, I used to long for a Maypole when I was a little girl. I think this May, I will make one for my smaller friends ... maybe we can bring it back. One Pipster at a time. I'll tell you what - I'll post a picture and write a poem about it when I do and dedicate it to you for the idea. xoxoo Alison |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Thank you, Alison, I would be delighted. I hope your little friends enjoy it as much as I did. Ida |
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