The restless wind at Lismore Isle
sounds a maiden’s heartworn sigh,
for Beothail of the golden hair
had lost her Viking love .
She pined and died far from her home
and still her voice was heard
on the ceaseless winds of Morvern
grieving for her Viking love.
Her bones found blessing
in the sacred well at Clachan,
carried to the burial place
that held her Viking love.
Still sounds her cry on the breath of the wind
where the veil is thin in the rain and the mist
around the walls of Coeffin –
maiden with lover reunited.
You can read the whole story at Jo Woolf’s lovely Hazel Tree online journal, which provided the inspiration for this poem.
Written for dVerse Open Link Night
Vivinfrance's Blog 
What a pleasure to read this, Viv. I felt transported to another time and place.
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That’s lovely, Viv. Your style is suited to this kind of subject matter.
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Thanks Linda – I’ve asked my grandson to write some music for it.
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A lovely but tragic love story!
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This is a truly classic tale of sadness… a magical write!
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where the veil is thin in the rain and the mist – ah how I love this imagery. Walking those places where the veil is thin in the northern hemisphere is so magical. Your poem takes me right there.
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Just lovely, Viv. You write the ‘classic’ poem so well.
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Hauntingly lovely, magical indeed.
Anna :o]
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loved this. I love kayaked and cycled the west coast of Scotland and this evoked some lovely memories. thank you
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There’s a special place in my heart, too, for NW Scotland, scene of so many happy camping holidays with my children.
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Haunting, chilling, and lovely all at once. Love the old-fashioned poetic feel to this.
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It seemed to fit the story.
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Lovely, Viv! 🙂
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Haunting.
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Lovely and tragic.
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If it was meant to be it will happen! Life has a way of making it happen and love has a lot to do with it! Wonderful lines Viv!
Hank
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This has a lot of delicious sound play…I especially love carried/burial and thin/wind…many more though…lovely to read, Viv!!
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It was the sounds which started the poem in my head. I’m glad you liked it.
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oooo… nice lament… dramatic to read aloud
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“maiden with lover reunited…” A highly evocative write, Viv – a real pleasure to read – thank you With Best Wishes as ever…
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“Still sounds her cry on the breath of the wind
where the veil is thin in the rain and the mist”
Very interesting effect you built in here – loved it.
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Greatly written.
I felt so much truth and sadness in this poem. Love it very much. 🙂
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Exquisite.
>
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I did not realize there was a “Ballad” form; well regardless, your piece makes me rush off to define people & places, & it is a fun/sad read–as many ballads are.
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There was such sadness in this, but then the wonderful reuniting at the end. I enjoyed this piece. Peace, Linda
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Truly beautiful.
I was particularly impressed after coming here from reading a back post by Ed Mooney on Vikings and Ireland – OK, so this is Scotland, but still!
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What an excellent use of the ballad form!
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This is wonderful and magic Viv,.. I really like the classic feel, it’s like a sad song really, and of course the Scottish Scandinavian connection apparent.
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