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RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM BARDIC COLLEGE
In Celtia's Bardic College, our purpose is to study, practice and preserve the traditional bardic arts. For this issue of Acta Diurna, I maintain the Celtic obsession with triplicities to highlight three of the past summer's outstanding poems from members of our group. They represent some of the ancient forms which we explore. They also give a sampling of just a few of the different styles of expression that flourish among our members. You can learn more about the poetry forms and the people who wielded them so well by clicking on the names.
Each month we have a different theme for Best of Bardic College Competition. Back in July, a silver brooch was awarded for this composition on the theme "In Praise of Horses". "I RUN!" by Breddelwyn Belgae On earth's precious ground, I run, With the wind, I run! Over green luscious hills, I run, With the wind, I run! Through gentle streams and plains, I run, With the wind, I run! To battles' gory glory, I run, With the wind, I run! With my Warrior bold, I run, With the wind, I run! To bear battles' scars, I run, With the wind, I run! To be sung by bards, I run, With the wind, I run! For my master's love, I run, With the wind, I run! Earlier this summer, MacMorna Niafer received the Best of Bardic College award for this poem in chain verse, the popular Conachlonn form. "THE WREN" Bright-eyed wee brown wren When did your small eggs Legs and wings start to grow? So busy, little brown mother Another (father?) helps to feed Greedy little mouths filled Thrilled with worm or bug Tugged from parent beak Squeak their noisy song Long your day, wee wren When may you close your eyes bright? And finally in this triad of poems, here is one I chose because of an unusual collaboration which worked out quite well! It was written in turns by three different people for our Dindsenchas ("topographical poetry") thread on the topic of Emain Macha. "MACHA'S BROOCH" Flidais Niafer Marked out with her golden pin Circle of Irish land All of her dreams lay there within The palm of Macha's hand. Twisted knots of Ulster pride Jewels adorned her treasure On childlike whim the pin did guide The outline of her pleasure. Amlaidh Niafer Visions saw she in each stone! The Ulaidh's destined glory Within the fiery gem-light shone The Red Branch hero's story! Dazzled much and wonder-struck, Still Macha's dreams would linger. The Brooch pin slid and squarely stuck In Macha’s bleeding finger. Fenian Niafer One scarlet drop fell to the ground One lingered on the clasp Undaunted Macha circled round Inscribing with firm grasp. One steady hand marked out her dreams One ring enclosed them all- Unbroken line of Macha's schemes To fruit, flourish - and fall. If you enjoyed these offerings and would like to read more, visit us at Bardic College. All levels of interest are welcome! |
Hearthstone
~ Table of Contents ~
Sir Kay: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly What's New at Ciclipéid Éire na gCeilteach Lugh's Arrival at Tara: A Futuristic Fable The Tradition of Hospitality A Brief History of Hurling CASTELL HENLLYS Caer Doward (Caer Guorthegirn) The Ceili: A New Musical Tradition The mysterious Dobhar-chú A Tour of Celtia's Cean Mor Districts Unique elements of Celtic tales Origins of Celtic Knotwork Traditional Samhain Yde Girl The Many Faces of Fionn Mac Cumhaill Bealtaine in Ancient Ireland An Introduction to the Red Branch (Ulster Cycle) Pronunciation Guide - Red Branch people & places The lore of the hazelnut The mysterious Dobhar-chú Balor, the Irish Cyclops Leannán Sidhe - The Irish Succubus Faoladh (Werewolf) Bio Welcome scroll Hogmanay 2011/12 First Foot Greeting Dún Ailinne |
