where shadows do not drowm

 

Where Shadows Do Not Drown

 

 

They left the green land behind,

where the púca ran unseen

beneath hollowed branches,

where tricks stirred in the mist

and footsteps never quite found firm ground.

 

Across the restless waters they sailed,

heavy with exile, grasping

the promise of gold and breath,

chasing the mirage of quiet years,

somewhere the ghosts could not follow.

 

But the rivers whispered—

not the rivers of home,

not the winding black paths

of the púca’s mischief,

but something heavier, deeper, waiting.

 

The bunyip did not grin.

Did not trick, did not twist fate

as the púca once had.

It only watched, only reminded,

only lurked beyond the fire’s reach.

 

Still, when the púca laughed from memory

and the bunyip stirred beneath the water,

they knew— some shadows do not drown,

they only change their shape.

 

 

 

 

Author's Notes/Comments: 

The Irish púca and the Australian bunyip share intriguing similarities despite originating from vastly different cultures. Both are mythical creatures deeply embedded in folklore, often associated with mystery, transformation, and fear. While the púca leans toward mischief and unpredictability, the bunyip embodies fear and mystery, yet both creatures serve as cautionary figures in their respective mythologies.

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S74rw4rd-13d's picture

Excellent use of two

Excellent use of two mythologies in this poem.  The explanatory note is quite helpful.


Starward-Led [in Chrismation, Januarius]

redbrick's picture

Many thanks, Starward-Led. It

Many thanks, Starward-Led. It could offer cluelike glimpses into the psyche of the people and cultures from which they sprang! Fascinating stuff


here is poetry that doesn't always conform

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