Four Poems

by Julie Carriker


Author's Note

Here are four poems, written in four different years, which show different sides of me.

The first, “Maiden, Mother, Crone” was written for a pagan ritual circle, sometime in the late 90s, probably between ’97-’99. It is somewhat repetitive to aid in memory, and the last line of each stanza was said by the whole group. I haven’t written much of this sort of liturgical poetry, but I enjoy the peace and reverence it conveys and provides.

The second poem, “Strands” was written in the summer of 2004. It is full of the excitement of finding a new love and soul mate. It is joyous and hopeful, innocent yet passionate. I was attending a writers’ workshop at the time, and believe I was influenced by being in that creative environment.

The third piece is very personal to me. My muse for many years, the ‘hero’ of my novel is the actor Roddy McDowall and this was written to him. For several years I’ve written such poems to commemorate Roddy’s birthday, and this is probably my favorite of the lot. I like the way it conveys the innocence yet intensity of a love that many wouldn’t consider ‘real,’ but that is very real to me.

The final selection was written this past summer, on a hot afternoon in here in Savannah. I sat in a restaurant, cooling off with a pepsi and looking at the passers-by, still sweltering in the heat. This is one of the quickest poems I’ve ever written, and it has had very little revision.

I will be posting more poetry soon. Thank you for reading.

Julie Carriker – Savannah, Georgia

First Poem

Maiden, Mother, Crone

Her many phases, many names
Triple Goddess
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Daughter, Sister, Friend,
Lover, Mother, Teacher,
A part of us all

At once young and old
She is here
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Ever-young and fresh as dew
Innocent girl beginning life
Young and full of promise
She is here
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Bountiful mother giving her love
Nurturing all in her arms
Ripe and full of nourishment
She is here
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Old woman watching in the night
Knowing secrets of all souls
Old and full of experience
She is here
Maiden, Mother, Crone

One is Three
Three are One
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Call to Her, listen too
She is here
Maiden, Mother, Crone

Second Poem

STRANDS

Strands of you, and strands of me
What we’ve been, and are yet to be

Soft and tender, yet fierce and strong
A line from a poem, or the notes of a song

Colors and textures, a kaleidoscope of these
Sights and sounds, familiarity with ease

Our past, our future, and our present too
Remembering the old, and creating the new

Strands of you, and strands of me
What we’ve been, and are yet to be

		--Written Summer 2004

Third Poem

For Roddy, 17 September, 2005

We met in the dark, you and I
I grew to love you
by the flickering light on the silver screen

Images that spoke to me
yet I knew they were
only characters you were playing

Still you soul came through
in your eyes
and in your smile

You filled my thoughts
but you were only a fantasy
an adolescent dream

At least that is what they all said
Was that all, or was there more?
The dream continues, transcending time

It makes no sense
we’ve never really met
but still…I love you

I always will

Fourth Poem

SULTRY

Written in Savannah, Georgia, 23 June, 2007
They call it sultry
I just think it’s hot
It’s not so attractive
Dripping with sweat

I think of cold things
A snowball fight
Tall glass of pink lemonade
Maybe a daquiri

But still, it’s hot,
I mean, sultry
I fan myself
And put my hair up

Finally, along comes a breeze
I open my arms wide
And throw my head back
Embracing the coolness

Now that I think about it
I’ll gladly have out sultry heat
Over the frigid cold
Of the North


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