If only I could float
through the mists of time
in Morgana’s enchanted boat,
to the island of the apples,
that fertile fortunate isle
that is leaf and sunlight dappled:
the place where Excalibur was made
and Arthur was laid
to rest, with nine queens to watch over him.
I imagine how I’d find the king,
wake him from the deepest sleep
and help him build another keep,
surrounded by a happy city
untouched by modern technology –
a Camelot peopled by loyal and healthy,
creative crafters of art and beauty,
all feasting in the great hall
at a table sturdy and round.
But no one knows when or where
the enchanted island may appear,
and I can only dream of becoming
the twenty-first century Guinevere.
Kim M. Russell, 27th July 2020

My response to earthweal weekly challenge: Sacred Landscapes
This week Brendan has written about a few places in the world that are held holy, ‘because of the love which consecrates them and the faith which enshrines them’, the names of which are themselves talismans of spiritual beauty. I love that he chose Iona, one of the places I would love to visit, as an example of a magical, spiritual place.
For this week’s challenge, Brendan asks us to imagine places that are important to us, think about what makes them so and how we have maintained relations with the over the years. They could be real or imaginary places where we have lived or only dreamed of visiting.
That’s lovely Kim. Of course, Arthur won’t waken until England is in deep trouble………….. 😉
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🤓
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Oh, how I long for a seat at that table…or any similar table…anytime soon would be nice.
Great work, KR.
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We really don’t want Arthur to wake up, though, do we? That would mean things were REALLY bad! Lushly romantic, Kim. You obviously carry a little bit of Camelot in your soul. That’s probably the best that we can do.
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It sounds like a wonderful Camelot indeed. I lov0e Sarah’s comment. At least we can dream.
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We need an Arthur, a strong man with a metaphorical sword, not necessarily the one of legends, and not Dudley Moore either! 🙂
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We could certainly use some stout-hearted men and women. And a round table with room for all. (K)
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That would be good.
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LOVE this! king arthur captivated me as a youth, much of my adult life was spent at renaissance fairs and reenactment events (such as they are, on this side of the pond) oh for a king like Arthur to come again!
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Eric was one of King Arthur’s brightest and boldest knights, who married a fair maid called Enide. Arise Sir Eric!
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I lo e the mystic yearning in your lyric poem. Maybe Arthur slumbers in all our hearts. Maybe we are all Guinivere dreaming of becoming.
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A bit of courtly love and old fashioned good manners wouldn’t go amiss these days. Arthur would give the likes of Trump a run for his money.
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Yes, I remember reading a very strange astrological report on Prince William when he was young. It said he would one day be a kind of latter day King Arthur for Britain. Hard to imagine him like that now as he seems so eager to tow the family line. He does have the courtly manners though and the right look.
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If we hadn’t, we all have been to Avalon now. Thank you. Liminal places thrive in poetry! – Brendan
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Now the hope of myth comes back again in your vision, which in my mind is a heartfelt prayer–evenn better for its touch of humor. You’d be a fine Guinevere!
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Thank you, Susan!
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So lovely Kim. Love the King myth and the anticipated reawakening of land and people.
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Thank you, Lindi!
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Dont know how I managed to leave Arthur out of the Arthurian legends….
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😊
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