It’s been a long time now that Visual Verse hasn’t wanted anything of mine, and this is certainly one they wouldn’t want. If you’d like to join in, the prompt image is here.
The Cliffs of Moher
Where the dark Cliffs of Moher gaze out on the sea,
There is one that I look for who’s looking for me,
Where the seals of the Muirgeilt in deep waters swim,
And call through their cupped hands the dark mountain’s hymn.
Since Moher’s sheer cliffs rose that first misty morn,
The seal folk, my own folk in two have been torn,
Since the first waves broke on the strand leaden and grey,
Their hearts have been balanced betwixt night and day.
My heart’s in the woods, in the green of the turf,
Yet I long for the deeps’ song, the splash of the surf,
And on nights full of starlight, it’s here that I stand,
Looking down from the cliffs to the dark rocky strand.
When the black Cliffs of Moher are beat by the tide,
I will don my own sealskin, swim by my love’s side,
Away from the cliffs’ face, still dark in the sun,
And we’ll wander the seas until this world is done.
Jane Dougherty Writes 
Beautifully written and presented, Jane.
Thank you.
Joanna
I’m pleased you like it 🙂
I don’t think they’re big fans of lyrical poetry, Jane. I gave up a while back!
No, just the opposite, which is why I’d never send something like this. But they haven’t wanted any free verse of mine either for ages. I think I must have offended someone.
They just have their editorial remit and it certainly doesn’t include the kind of things I write!
I think it’s a remit that takes more into account than just the words. You have to have the right attitude as well 🙂
Well my attitude is I really can’t be bothered!
Me neither. It’s too tiring 🙂
Quite lovely Jane!
Thank you 🙂 I do enjoy a good rollocking rhyme.
Beautiful Jane
Thank you!
This makes a beautiful tale. The rhythm and rhyme are integral to creating the ancient timeless feel. (K)
A collage of the Cliffs of Moher and a combination of mermaid and selkie (I disregard the rubber duck) has to inspire something traditional. It does for me anyway.
You may still get published. A few months ago I was the very last one, at the end of the month.
They used to take everything, but the last one was the very last day too. I have a hunch about why, so I won’t bother sending them anything else. My opinions aren’t going to change to suit their outlook.
I understand that response. I used to get depressed by the rejections–the unkind ones are the worst–just say no thanks and leave it at that!. Now I send everything without expectations.
I submit hardly anything. Poetry is rarely paid so it’s low on my list of priorities anyway. With novels, I’ve got to the point where I feel I’ve done well if I get a form rejection. Most agents don’t even bother with that. I’m at the end of my rope with it to be honest.
Making money and making art rarely intersect.
Picasso managed it. But he was a gobshite.
Horrible man, but a great artist.
Strange he hasn’t been cancelled yet. Maybe because he was only a serial abuser of women.
Yes, that is interesting.
No doubt there’s an explanation.
A lovely, tale. I agree with Kerfe.
This is the first time I’ve submitted, and they did take mine.
They used to take all of mine then suddenly stopped. I have an idea why, and it has nothing to do with poetry.
Oh, that’s weird. I hope that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have submitted.
Not at all! I think they’re rather ‘woke’ though and I’m not 🙂
I think you’re aware of what’s important, regardless of what’s trendy.
Being on the latest bandwagon though is the most important thing in many cultural circles.
Wonderfully worded.
Thanks Ken. I’m pleased you like it 🙂