The Hoofs of Pegasus

Chapter 16: THE BATHERS

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About This Book

A collection of short lyrical poems that weave mythic and religious imagery with intimate observations of nature and interior feeling. Many pieces draw on classical figures and Renaissance art, while others reflect domestic scenes, sleep, music, and sacrament; recurrent motifs include night and light, birds, water, and ritual. Voice shifts between contemplative reverie and pastoral detail, exploring longing, faith, and creative impulse. The sequence moves through imagistic vignettes—moonlit meadows, bathing maidens, sacramental harvests, and dreams—linking private emotion to larger spiritual and mythical resonances.

THE BATHERS

ALL in the misty weather, When clouds were hanging low, I trod a leafy woodland path Long, long ago.

The cold green light of morning Shivered among the trees, The little leaves were tremulous, Stirred by an eery breeze.

And then to me was given A sight that one might dream, Three maidens white and glistening, Bathing in a stream.

One floated idly drifting, One shook her wet locks free, One stood as slender as a boy, As white as ivory;

Naked, unshamed, untrammelled; Ah, never did they know, I saw three maidens bathing Long, long ago.