In the winter I hike in some local wetlands which need to be at least partially frozen to venture into. I have a walking stick of ironwood cut from some local dead fall that I put a steel tip on to test the ice. This allows me to get into some sketchy areas most others don't dare venture. This results in complete solitude - except for the deer and coyotes, which are abundant but rarely seen. The experience is hauntingly beautiful. I feel constantly observed in those woods.
I always wonder, when people say that "we need more wildness in our lifes", do they also REALLY mean the horrifiying aspects of the wildness in the human mind as well as in nature? Let me stress, I too think we need more wildness in our lifes lol. But I'm not writing a poem about it, so guess I have a right to wonder if Tom Hiron means also the aspects of the human psyche that are the equivalent of a parasitoid wasp laying eggs inside a caterpillar, or a lion killing the offspring of its rival.
Edit: And I want to say, I find it more honest to also invite the horrifying into our lives, when saying we need more wildness. Almost by definition, the wild is what we don't control, and what does not give af about our tastes and morals. I guess what I'm saying is that 'we need more wild' is not just a preciously cute thing to say. The wild is not just 'awkward'... I know you know it Gordon by the way, but does this poem know it?
Very beautiful, I think tom hiron wrote to nick caves red hand files, regarding caves new vinyl and tour " wild god " nick cave indeed expressed that he knew the writing very well, and it is a stunning piece, thank-you for reminding me and your words are true I lived in the woods in my caravan for many years and you instintively harmonise with all flora and fauna, I would look up from playing guitar on a summer's day , and the audience were birds, rabbit, horses etc, almost in a semi circle, I had no idea they were there, and robins would momentarily lit upon my hand while playing guitar, look at me and fly off, I was evicted by the authorities for being a " visual impact " and i wish I could return, but the law and legal aspects have changed, bless your heart ❤️
Beautiful and haunting poem. Thank you for a great start to my day.
For reasons unrelated to the discussion, I was doing research on The Lord of the Hunt, a figure generally considered villainous. In fact, however, this quite ubiquitous Slyvian archetype has deeper levels, similar to the poem, that include protection, good harvests, and ecologically positive themes. I'd say the negative view is from--well, haven't quite formulated that piece out yet...work in progress. Blessed Be.
Fucking awesome
In the winter I hike in some local wetlands which need to be at least partially frozen to venture into. I have a walking stick of ironwood cut from some local dead fall that I put a steel tip on to test the ice. This allows me to get into some sketchy areas most others don't dare venture. This results in complete solitude - except for the deer and coyotes, which are abundant but rarely seen. The experience is hauntingly beautiful. I feel constantly observed in those woods.
What an utterly transfixing poem thank you for sharing 🙏
I always wonder, when people say that "we need more wildness in our lifes", do they also REALLY mean the horrifiying aspects of the wildness in the human mind as well as in nature? Let me stress, I too think we need more wildness in our lifes lol. But I'm not writing a poem about it, so guess I have a right to wonder if Tom Hiron means also the aspects of the human psyche that are the equivalent of a parasitoid wasp laying eggs inside a caterpillar, or a lion killing the offspring of its rival.
Edit: And I want to say, I find it more honest to also invite the horrifying into our lives, when saying we need more wildness. Almost by definition, the wild is what we don't control, and what does not give af about our tastes and morals. I guess what I'm saying is that 'we need more wild' is not just a preciously cute thing to say. The wild is not just 'awkward'... I know you know it Gordon by the way, but does this poem know it?
Mary Oliver asks a similar question in her poem A SUMMERS DAY--“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I've been trying to figure this out for many decades...
If anything I just want to share this incredible piece on synchronicity in my life that’s twice in less than a month I’ve read this poem… not sure what to make of it https://www.theredhandfiles.com/my-poem-sometimes-a-wild-god/
Every time I read this I cry and then go outside
Wow! What a poem. Thanks for platforming this.
Absolutely amazing… Huge awed thanks
Thank You 🙏🏻🔥
One of my favorite poems. I have it as a forever open tab in my phone and read it often. Can’t wait to listen to the interview
Very beautiful, I think tom hiron wrote to nick caves red hand files, regarding caves new vinyl and tour " wild god " nick cave indeed expressed that he knew the writing very well, and it is a stunning piece, thank-you for reminding me and your words are true I lived in the woods in my caravan for many years and you instintively harmonise with all flora and fauna, I would look up from playing guitar on a summer's day , and the audience were birds, rabbit, horses etc, almost in a semi circle, I had no idea they were there, and robins would momentarily lit upon my hand while playing guitar, look at me and fly off, I was evicted by the authorities for being a " visual impact " and i wish I could return, but the law and legal aspects have changed, bless your heart ❤️
Can't help but wonder if this poem was the inspiration for Nick Cave's latest album title: Wild God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIN5F5UNw5E
The beautiful poem perfectly captures the 12 nights in the spirit of the wild hunt, transposed back to its rightful time.
Good morning, Gordon...
Beautiful and haunting poem. Thank you for a great start to my day.
For reasons unrelated to the discussion, I was doing research on The Lord of the Hunt, a figure generally considered villainous. In fact, however, this quite ubiquitous Slyvian archetype has deeper levels, similar to the poem, that include protection, good harvests, and ecologically positive themes. I'd say the negative view is from--well, haven't quite formulated that piece out yet...work in progress. Blessed Be.
Amen!