the wild magnolia: "Willows Whiten, aspens quiver..."

“Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiver Through the wave that runs for ever By the island in the river Flowing down to Camelot. Four grey walls, and four grey towers, Overlook a space of flowers, And the silent isle imbowers The Lady of Shalott.”

~ Alfred Lord Tennyson ~

Words in part are magical enchantments. Words create other lands, open doors to the universe, and impart knowledge, to name a few gifts. The sound of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poetic word dream give me Camelot and The Lady of Shalott each time I read them.

This short portion is my favorite and I love reading it aloud with dramatic emphasis.

A Lady shut away, given second hand glimpses of life, through her mirror while weaving.

Even though a tragic tale, I shiver at the imagery of the land and river, and the Lady of Shalott. The tale brings pleasure in the telling.

Sir Lancelot cared nothing for her, he did not know her, and she gave all. His compliment of her beauty was probably proper. Perhaps she did not believe the curse, or her eagerness to be near Lancelot and freedom, swallowed her senses. Why does not matter death took her after a short ride down the river in a boat she named for herself.

Those who saw her were afraid.