I have not been inspired much lately but here is a swan snippet that popped into my beleaguered brain. The images were taken at Hatley Castle’s lagoon in late summer, and after playing with textures and Photoshop edits, a fragment of story emerged.This might be a continuation of one of the chapters of Tales of the Tuatha where Niamh met the motherless children waiting by the water.
It is of course inspired by much older fairy tales of shape shifting, dark spells and swan maidens, and those long shadows of the golden and late summer afternoons and twilight.
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Sometimes in the late evening she would rise from the water in secret and look through the window at the children tucked away safely in their beds. If they were stirring fitfully in their sleep she came inside to stroke their hair and softly sing a song …
“tra li, tra la, soft shadows beckon,
in the deepest, secret hollow,
by the moon whose tears are lanterns,
voices calling,
silence falling,
head under wing, they rise and follow...”
Her presence lingered within that haunted threshold between sleep and waking, and often the two children would talk quietly among themselves about her visit. If father heard them he became angry. He frowned and said that it was only a dream. Mother was dead. She had left them on a quiet summer’s night while they all slept. The oldest child later said he saw her from the bedroom window walking toward the lagoon in the moonlight. Her shift was later discovered lying in the gazebo on the bank, but she was never found. Time had passed and still father could not bring himself to speak of her.
Yet there were times at night when he too felt a gentle touch on his forehead. It whispered through the curtains of his window like the breath of a feathered wing. It was then he would dream of those days when she lay in his arms in the summer grass as the tumultuous shadows of swans in flight swept over their radiant bodies.
(Inspiration thanks to Cougar Sangria and her lovely virtual landscapes)
The Bonny Swans
Special thanks to Lost Horizons by Cougar Sangria
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
So beautiful dear Cybele… it sounds like a mythological tale… well penned… I liked how the different realms or levels of reality get intertwined and the final metamorphose, which simply stands out… sending much love. Aquileana 🙂
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So happy you popped by Aquileana! Thank you so much!
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A lovely story, Cybele (I’ve already followed the link and commented on the little stories).I do find these kind of stories very moving and not without a certain sadness. Many such stories seem to address the issues of loss and regret and the imagery and emotions they evoke are quite powerful. I really enjoyed listening to Loreena McKennitt, too. She has a lovely voice and the music is beautiful.
Gorgeous images to accompany your story. They really add to the mysticism.
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forgive me for the late response. For me too blogging has taken a back seat these days. I am honoured by your visit and comment. Thank you so much!
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Lovely mystical work Hannah ! I’m ultra slow on getting into my blogging groove … in and out with long gaps … Good to connect and see your creative work again x Poppy
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thanks so much Poppy! I’m behind too these days. Good to hear from you!
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The swan maidens and I are swooning now at the clever combination of images and words you have shared here xx
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thanks so much Christy- I’m honoured!!
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Lovely story with lovely pictures Moon.
“I have not been inspired….” I hope you are keeping well and there is nothing to worry; however, if it’s just the muse, then don’t worry even I’m trying to find mine as she is hiding somewhere….:) Mischievous one. 😉
Take care! 😀
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thank you so much Norma!! You too and these muses have a habit of popping back up!
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Beautiful Cybele, magical, both the words and the images.
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so happy you like it! Many thanks my friend!
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lovely. maybe it will grow into a full story
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thanks so much Catherine, and for dropping by!!
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I love swans and am so in love with your stories. The images are just breathtaking dune!
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I just added your name in appreciation! Thank you!!!
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I love this Cyebel
Your just waiting for the next great push
Stay focused
As always Sheldon
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Many thanks and appreciation for your support Sheldon!!
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Beautiful mystery
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thanks so much Br. Andrew!! and for the reblog!
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Very fey
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🙂
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beautiful phrasing, beautiful images.
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thank you!
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Magical! Love so much the process you did through PS! Wonderful tales 😍💖
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Thanks so much Amy!!
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Inspiration has that habit of coming and going Cyb……taking a break often helps
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I know it! Thanks Mark!
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Beautiful, and artistic images Hana! The story is lovely!
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so happy you like both Deb!! Thank you!
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Love these images, Cybele!
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thank you Debbie!!
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A beautiful bird for inspiration and shape shifting. I love your interpretations.
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It is indeed. Thanks so much Sherry!
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Marvelous set…the swans are enchanting.
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thank you!
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Wonderful images, Hannah…I love the first one for the mystery it suggests
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thanks so much Sue- I hope you liked the story too!!
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Oh, yes!
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big 🙂
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😊
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Ooh a swan maiden story! I love these tales. Your pictures add to the sense of mystery and suspense while we wait for the next chapter.
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thank you dear Anita!
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Yes, it is tough when you get into a creative slump…just keep playing around with images and something will click sooner or later. Good luck!
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thanks Robert, the weather sometimes is discouraging and the move was tiring. I need to write more too.
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We are thing of a move…that alone is tiring
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oh yes!
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Interesting, and apt treatment on the photos . . . or apt writing for the photos.
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many thanks for commenting Disperser!
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