"Of Gods and Other Men" (A Poem)

When I discovered the poetry of Richard Jones almost a decade ago, I was immediately struck by not only the melody of his verse, but the ethereal imagery he presents. With “The Haunting” (read it here), he summons the eerie sensation of a spectral-filled house and, with “Of Gods and Other Men,” he musters the ghostly figures of ancient folklore through an otherworldly incantation.

I shall tell you tales of heroes 
And gods who walked as men. 
On mountains where the wild wind blows 
Or across the darkling fen. 
I shall tell you tales that minstrels told 
Of vengeful queens and warriors bold 
Of kings who sleep and ne’er grow old 
In caves their dreams residing. 

I shall tell you tales of outlaws 
and hounds that roam the night. 
Of secret realms through hidden doors 
Where ancient giants fight. 
I shall tell you tales of long-lost lands 
Buried now ‘neath shifting sands 
Where dancing maids have long held hands 
In stone their spirits writhing.

Works Referenced 

Jones, Richard. Myths and Legends of Britain and Ireland. London: New Holland Publishers, Ltd., 2006.