Inspired by 2.27, Sirin and Alkonost, The Birds of Joy and Sorrow
Sirin and Alkonost
In this time of in-between,
when only pine and fir stay green,
the other leaves turn red and brown,
and fog tiptoes in to obscure sight
but carries sound.
Look up, and you might see,
the two sisters in a tree,
on a bough of oak or birch,
there they sit–
or rather perch.
They sing of joy and sorrow,
they make you forget tomorrow,
they are beautiful, their songs enchanting
owl and raven winged—
they sing, entrancing.
Golden Sirin should remain a stranger,
her wondrous voice lures you to danger.
Raven Alkonost, is difficult to find—
as happiness is fleeting—
her song may make you lose your mind.
The world you thought you had,
beauty that may not make you glad.
Twin-edged, sorrow and delight,
bird-women of joy and sorrow,
bring both darkness and light.
In this time of in-between,
beware of the invisible and the seen
stay clear
of birds with women’s faces and hair,
run from their songs that float in the air.
For Paul Brookes’ Folktober Challenge. I think this time everyone was drawn to the same image. It’s hard to resist bird-women. You can see the images and responses here.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul.
I knew this was yours! I love the sounds in your opening stanza. Strange but true, my final line echoes your first line.
Thank you! I think the first stanza is my favorite. It’s the one I wrote while walking.
I had to go back to look at yours. You’re right! Weird–but not.
(I just told my husband, and he said “You two really do scare me. 🤣)
Wait till you tell him we’re Sirin and Alkonost, but you’re not going to tell him which one you are 🙂
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Like Jane, it has Merril written all over it 😉
I love it.
Thank you very much. That comment made me smile. 😊
Glad it did!!
This is so much fun. YES, I see the bird-women. The time in-between is full of magic and wonder – you express it beautifully between the colors/fog/sound/sights.
Thank you very much, Pam! 😊
I particuarly like the last stanza. I think it could even stand on its own.
Thank you very much, Liz. I’m pleased you think so. This image was easier to write about than some of the others.
You’re welcome, Merril.
That first verse describes the weather here the past few days exactly. Anything could happen or appear. (K)
Thank you! Yes, I think that’s why it came to me. Today the sun is shining–but I saw an eagle–so anything can still happen. 🙂
That’s true. I’m surprised every day.
Fine treatment of symbols of contrast
Thank you, Derrick.
I like the lyrical enchantment of this poem, Merril!
Thank you very much, Ingrid! 😊
I agree with Ingrid, it is lyrical and beautifully written. 💙
I for one am now resolved to avoid all bird women. Very creepy! And you have written a scary poem here all right.
Thank you, Claudia! 🤣