(Click on the photo to enlarge it. I took the screenshot here.)
Alcman was a Greek poet who wrote in the seventh century BC. This is a translation of one of his poems by A.E. Stallings. (I have a book of hers, somewhere, in a box, in another country.)
Halcyon as an adjective means idyllically happy, but as a noun it means a kingfisher. The scientific name of many kingfishers includes the word halcyon, including one of our dear friends where I live, the Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis). This bird is so full of energy, so persistent in diving to catch its prey, and so lovely in its song. This is the one I picture when I read this poem. Or maybe the Malachite Kingfisher, which doesn't have halcyon in its name (Corythornis cristatus), but has the purple coloring mentioned in Alcman's description. See below for pictures of both these beautiful birds, plus a haiku.
swoops down, splashes, shoots back up,
halcyon blue flash
Beautiful birds!! Thanks for both poems :).
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that Halycon can mean both idyllically happy and kingfisher. I had to google the kingfisher's song, and when I played it, my dog sprang up. I think she may speak kingfisher!
ReplyDeleteThese birds and their beautiful colors and full bodies would mesmerize me!
ReplyDeleteLove this, Ruth. All week I've attempted a poem about bluejays. Maybe next week! ;0)
ReplyDeleteRuth, thanks for the two different poems and the back matter. I would be happy if I saw these birds coming around. right now, I only see the crows high in the trees
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to see the birds and then again in the poems' words. Thanks, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteOoh, those birds are stunning! Thanks for making me hear halcyon in a new way. <3
ReplyDeleteI learn so much in your bird posts. These kingfishers are so much more colorful than the ones we get here. Your haiku is spot on with word choice and imagery.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos of those gorgeous birds. 🤩 I'll be thinking of the word "halcyon" all week now.
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