On Mother’s Day
Another Dream Retrieved and The Butterfly’s Kiss
Snatching the jewel from under the thirsty butterfly, she returned it to the pouch. The creature flew to her lips as though to kiss her but instead, Niamh sensed a slight admonishing sting before it fluttered off on a casual breeze. Light-headed, she walked toward the shoreline and sat, certain that what she had felt was the butterfly giving back a tiny sip of her dream. But which dream?
Through misty eyes she saw some children of fair beauty standing sadly by the lagoon. “What are you doing?” she asked. A sweet faced girl replied, “We are waiting for our mother.”
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The West Coast of Clare
Chapter 17
The Child’s Tale
“As long as we can remember, every night at the gate mother watched the swans in the lagoon. She would weep inconsolably and none of us could cheer her, nor would she leave the garden. We didn’t know that long ago our father had hidden her only cloak.
One day when father was away, our little brother found it buried behind the wood pile- a fine cape of white feathers! He gave it to mother and her tears stopped. She kissed us tenderly and walked through the gate to the dark lagoon. We now keep watch every night, and weep.”
Niamh wept too, thinking of her own mother and father waiting.
Background: The story of Odette, and the ballet, Swan Lake, are recreations of old tales similar to the celtic stories of Selkies and Kelpies. An enchantment changes a girl into a swan and reversely as in this tale, a swan is changed into a maiden who years later still longs for her true nature. The Norse Valkyries were also called swan maidens.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and swans
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
I love all Celtic stories of Selkies and Kelpies and Swan Maidens. Your little mystical stories are a delight and very touching, Your images are truly wonderful! An interesting snippet about Swan Lake, too.
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so pleased you read it! Many thanks Millie!
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You’re very welcome. I’ll read some others soon. 😀
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take your time and thanks so much for your support as always!! I’m a bit behind because of reno’s etc. Will catch up by new year hopefully lol!!
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My goodness this is a beautiful image. And my mother just happens to love swans! Thanks for sharing … 🙂
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A beautiful post… I love the background you have picked up, particularly the swan lake, best wishes to you . Aquileana 🙂
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thanks you so much. There are more stories waiting to be told!!
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Another fabulous installment.
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thank you!! 🙂
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Very moving. Beautiful, Cybele. 🙂
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thank you Lizzie!!
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What beautiful stories and images for Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day Hanna 🙂
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thanks so much Laura and I hope you have a wonderful day!!
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You’re welcome and thank you!
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Love the first shot….it looks like the backdrop to a pre-Raphaelite painting
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thanks Mark I just now added another photo of which I am rather fond. What a lovely complement. I too thought it looked rather medieval!!
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Here’s to all the mothers on their day – enjoy!
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thank you Rob!
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