Introduction
This poem expands on the traditional belief that the ash tree has
healing and strengthening powers. Ash sap was given to babies to make them
strong and a sick baby could be passed three times deosil (clockwise) through a
split ash sapling. The sapling was then bound up and if it went on to grow
strong then so would the child. Country folk therefore often had their own
carefully guarded ash tree.
I have chosen to set the event at the break of dawn as liminal moments
were thought to have the strongest magical power and also the symbolic
association between a new life and dawn.
Middengeard was one of the nine worlds, the one where people lived.
Leechcraft from leech (physician) referred to a healers craft. A galdor
was a charm or spell which was sung, often to accompany a herbal remedy or
other healing practice.
The name Aelfric derives from elf and power, so denotes someone with the
power of an elf.
Through the Ash Tree
In
dead of dark night, before break of dawn,
Into
the wild wood, past tall bearded corn.
Along
the deep track, by the brook babbling,
Three times deosil, through
split ash sapling.
Upon
a moist morn,
soft chanting like bard,
In
realm of spirit, misty Middangeard.
Black
birds are about, conjuring the dawn,
With
knife in her hand, and her first babe
born.
Small
leaves on trees, didst quiver and shiver,
Lifting
her eyes looking, hither and thither.
She
cut with great care, that it not wither,
The
ash on the bank, to side of the river.
She
uses this leechcraft, so he be full hale,
Passed
down from before, it wilt never fail.
She
passed the babe though, split tree three times round,
This
galdor she sung, was no common sound.
Crowned
with fairy cowl, was his lucky head,
Last
laying him down, on a mossy bed.
With
magical craft, enchanted is he,
Elfin
power in name, Aelfric to be.
In
height of summer, sunshine wilt burn bright,
Spell
crafting by singing from darkest night.
As
still morning mist, did it slowly fade,
Finally
the spell, was
solemnly laid.
Copyright Andrew Rea May 2014
