In this lonely brooding place <br />The old gods still have power, still reign. <br />Here the rough-hewn hills around the lake <br />Stand out like ramparts, built by them, <br />Lurid lit as the fleeting sun slips out <br />From behind the rain black clouds, <br />Then disappear in mist again. <br /> <br />Between them the wind sighs, <br />Sadly keening <br />Like the Swan Maidens <br />Searching for their wings, <br />And stirs the grey lake waters <br />Drumming softly on the rocks <br />As wave after wave rhythmically rolls <br />Towards the pebbled shore. <br /> <br />Larch, birch, ash and pine, <br />Ancient, magic trees, <br />Sweep low in unison, rustling <br />To the music of water and wind. <br />Somewhere among them <br />Hidden from the eye, <br />Deer uneasily graze, stamp quietly <br />And silent wolves slip softly by. <br /> <br />Thunder echoes from Thor's dark hammer, <br />Lightning sparks from Wayland's forge, <br />Dark clashings as of gods at war. <br />Shrouding all in fog, cascades the rain <br />Like the torrents of tears shed <br />By Freyja weeping for Balder slain. <br /> <br />The storm abates, moves on. <br />The sun, freed, paints in fresh-tint tone <br />Glorious colours upon mountain and lake. <br />The trees stretch heavenwards <br />Straight, tall and bold. <br />And way above in a cerulean sky, <br />Formations of home-bound geese fly high, <br />Heralding Spring triumphantly.<br /><br />Margery Rehman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/landscape-inspired-by-sibelius-first-symphony/
