Beltane or May Day is an ancient tradition, the end of winter and the day Persephone emerges from Hades’ or Pluto’s dark underworld to bring colour and joy back to the earth. Through the centuries people lit huge bonfires on the evening of April 30th and danced, and sang, and told stories. The festivities continue on May Day or Beltane and the belief is that all fairies, sidhe, and elemental spirits are present among the mortals in this celebration of homage to Mother Nature and the earth. It is an important message in today’s world
I would like to pay homage today to a professor and poet who celebrated the solstices and seasons and the magic of nature. After moving from England to Vancouver Island in 1963 he taught English and creative writing at the University of Victoria for many years, specializing in Irish literature. His name was Robin Skelton (1925-1997) and he was both brilliant and eccentric. He was a self proclaimed Wiccan and like Gandalf wandered through the streets and parks of Victoria, wearing a long windy cape and carrying a staff. He had a stream of white hair and magical rings on every finger of his hands. He often traveled with an entourage and their coffeehouse conversations were immensely entertaining. They always attracted both curious onlookers and literary fans alike. He mentored many young artists and poets of the day. He was truly a wizard of words and a wise man of spirit. He was also a ghost buster and was called to many of Victoria’s haunted realms to rid people of pesky spirits or to help come to respectful terms with them. He documented his experiences in a book called “A Gathering of Ghosts.”
Robin Skelton was the recipient of many literary awards and was Canada’s unofficial Poet Laureate.
In these days of social distancing and solitude our longings really break open our hearts like windows. Nostalgia surges like curtains in a gust of air and each pulse of our heart is a place or person missed and remembered and a desire to be with those we love, and so I present this beautiful piece by Skelton called Westfield Lane.
Westfield Lane, a green switchback
humping and scooping towards the wild
flat of the land north of the dyke
by Marsh Cottage; remembering that,
and, clearly, the saddle’s jolt, the spin
of the blurred spokes, and the meshed ruts
tangled at gateways, remembering too
blue sky and boyhood, I begin
counting days back; an abacus
of worlds clicks on my natal string
five, ten, fifteen years back
till Westfield Lane, a scoop and climb
of green between the swaying fields
propels me down into the slack
lands round the deserted house;
dark in this brightest day, it looms
cold and decrepit. The door yawns
at a garden scrawled with a few trees
flayed by salt winds. Just beyond,
the rank dyke threatens the last field,
and beyond that an eight-mile waste
of grey water stirs and waits.
Looking back at Westfield Lane
the eye has altered, the light passed.
The house echoes. I mount and ride
the other road, by graveyard and stack,
home through the silent village square,
chilled and listening. That track
led me too far into my need,
and yet a new need drags me back
among his books are “The Shapes of our Singing”, “Spellcraft”, and “Fires of the Kindred”
a bit of musical nostalgia? The Wizard –(circa 70s) by Uriah Heep
-thank you Paul G.
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Robin reminds me very much of a dear family friend of mine who passed away this year. Right down to the white beard, professor background, cloak and family friends following, talking, thinking with an all knowing joyous gleam in his eyes…. This is a great blog post.
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so glad you enjoyed it. As you can see I’ve been very sporadic on my blog as my latest summer post was three months after that one lol!
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Don’t worry about it…. It’s all about what inspires you and if you are not inspired then don’t post 🙂
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I’m a little late to wish you Happy Beltane, Cybele, but I really enjoyed reading your post, especially your excellent piece about Robin Skelton. I knew little about him and now I can discuss him with my two daughters. I really love his poem and his beautifully expressed nostalgic thoughts.
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yes he was an amazing character and person Millie. So glad you enjoyed!
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Cycbele it’s sheldon
How are you doing
Hope we can connect
As always sheldon
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Sheldon it’s good to hear from you although I cannot find you online right now. Your site is not up yet? Hope all is well.
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Happy Beltane! One thing good about this virus is it has caused me to move my celebrations and other magick online so I’ve built a sacred space in Second Life. Beltane was the first big time I really used it.
Such lovely images as usual!
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hey, Willow good to hear from you!! send a link!!
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A lovely tribute Cybele. I have come across Robin’s writings before in the pagan context.
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Saw the photos on Flickr and just now read the post. Nice tribute.
I even liked the poem (not much for poetry, am I) and remembered the song.
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thank you Emilio!!
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That was a great poem! I had to read it a second time just to get all of those “k” sounds again! Also, I read several works by J.M. Synge last year and now I will have to go see what Skelton has to say about them! Thanks for the introduction to Skelton, Cybele!
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so glad you enjoyed!!!
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Beautiful, my friend. I used to have Pagan beliefs and so can identify with this very much – a wonderful post. Adrian
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many thanks Adrian!! I enjoyed writing it. I have a mixture of beliefs myself!! 🙂
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The little video of fairies rising is lovely, and the poem is thought-provoking.
We’ve all walked down that road at least once I’m thinking.
I’ve never heard of this poet. I’ll have to read more of his work.
Stay well and happy Spring!
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yes we have and as we get older and especially during times like these I seem to feel more nostalgic. He is a wonderful writer Deb!! You stay well too!! Love your sky images. May we all look up! Sadly I’m in a more woodland tree area and it’s harder to lug stuff up to the top of the hill to get those kind of clear view shots!! Keep them coming!!
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Morning! Lovely photos as always. Robin Skelton sounds like quite the character! You’re right about nostalgia — Uriah Heep. I probably haven’t thought about him or heard his music since the 70s! And I remember as a little kid loving the nectar of purple clover; fresh picked, of course! LOL
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oh I do remember him and yes. Victoria is full of eccentrics by the way. Skelton was a brilliant writer. Hey I love finding old rock and folk music!! Uriah Heep are still playing! That wizard piece by them I heard on another’s FB page so I thought perfect!! Glad you enjoyed Linda. Hope you are keeping well and safe my friend!
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Beautiful imagery as always. I love your story of the professor. The world needs more people like that.
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You think!!!! I so agree! Thank you dear Suzanne!!
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This post , one of your best, struck a chord with me , just having watched on TV Richard Wagner’s epic opera ‘Lohengrin’ streaming it from the Met NY. Stunning, stunning , all of it.
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I’m honoured Paula!! Thank you so much!!
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I always love to read you writing’s Cybele, you bring history from the past to life in our age. Plus another writer for me to research.
The area where i go walking every morning is on the side of Slieve Croob. This link will tell a little of it’s pass.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/weekend/view-from-slieve-croob-really-is-summit-special-28619246.html
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so good to hear from you. Thank you and yes! Skelton is a wonderful writer!! his poems are reminiscent of Dylan Thomas to me. Keep those wonderful images coming so I can dream! Thank you for the link!!
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AWWW. Lovely my friend and what a great piece of poetry. Love it. Happy 1st, oh sister of the spirit. sharer of the open heart xxxxxxxxxx
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you sweet lass!!! friend of mine! So glad you enjoyed Skelton!!! Stay well!!
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P. S. The homage moving image is fabulous.
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Yayy Thank you!!
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It’s been an age since I heard the name of Skelton. Love the poem. And you post. Made my day. I’m up at 4am – getting restless. I miss being able to travel to the park.
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oh I’m missing family and friends now!! but I’m pleased you have heard of Robin Skelton!! Thank you Sherry and stay well!
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Never heard of Robin Skelton. Made my eyes light up, I recognize what I suspect would have been his teaching method (to experience rather than instruct). Its very familiar.
Its how I was taught to speak verse (to really see it)
Skekton’s poem moves effortlessly from the page to the breath. Gorgeous.
Thanks! Made my day.
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I’m so happy to read your response to Skelton Jeb!! Thanks
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P.s. Was not just a response to Skelton. Images + clear demonstration of craft = Gorgeous.
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that is so kind of you, I’m honoured!!!!
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Sure are
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thank you!
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