Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

THE RED LADY OF PAVILAND

entry picture

Originally thought to be a prostitute from a nearby Roman encampment, the skeleton turned out to be 30,000 years old and a man.  It had been laid out ritualistically alongside the skeleton of a mammoth and dyed with red ochre. The suppostion is that a hunting party killed the mammoth but lost one of their own in the process.

 

Lay me in this sacred cavern

By the softly surfing sea

Let that dank and distant whisper

Ease in me this fatal fire.

Tell the Beast I bear no malice

She and I are of one flesh

Mine to gorge the gulls and shore crabs

Hers to feed my bretheren.

Can you hear the Old Folk calling?

From the shadows of the cave?

In the surf that swells the sea-shore?

In the crying of the terns?

Twinned forever prey and hunter;

I slew her as she slayed me;

Lay the Beastbones here beside me,

That our spirits may be one.

🌷(7)

◄ TO BE A VOLUNTEER

DIED IN VAIN ►

Comments

Profile image

John Coopey

Tue 16th Feb 2021 20:00

Thanks, Stephen. Not at all my usual bag but I’ve always had an interest in history. I came across the story of the Lady in Neil Oliver’s excellent “History of Ancient Britain”.
And thanks for the Like, Holden,

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Tue 16th Feb 2021 17:16

Yes, a haunting piece, John.

Profile image

John Coopey

Mon 15th Feb 2021 23:33

Thanks, Ray and to Greg, Branwell, Stephen and Aviva for the Likes.

Profile image

raypool

Mon 15th Feb 2021 21:44

A strangely affecting piece John. I can hear the drone of pipes maybe on a reading of it. Like an elegy.

Ray

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message