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" Live out of your imagination

not your history "

Stephen R. Covey

Sometimes a Wild God

February 23rd, 2016

rculnftAFZsribUsLJGswXzKJuOWSdbVbqzQTDxLvecA few years ago Steph and I came across a powerful poem, which I have since used in two men’s groups to great effect. It seems to unlock a door in most men’s hearts. And women’s too. Stephanie found the poem so meaningful she created a painting with the text of the poem written on a canvas that is textured like the wall of a cave, with an image of ‘The Sorcerer’ from the Trois Frères cave in southwest France. I’ll paste a photo in below. A few weeks ago we met the poet Tom Hirons in the wilds of Dartmoor and Stephanie gave him the painting.

Tom’s partner Rima has illustrated a privately published edition of the poem, and the result is a beautiful unique gift. The edition has been hugely successful – which speaks for itself. They’ve sold thousands of copies and there 102 reviews of it on their site. You can see information on it here.

Tom says about the poem: “Thank you all for your continued comments and emails about this poem – I had no idea at all what was in store when I wrote it, only that the first line had been haunting me for months. Sometimes a Wild God has opened strange doors for me, and continues to have a life of its own. Something seems to have happened that is far beyond my understanding, and that is exactly as it should be. Poetry is a form of magic, and don’t let anyone tell you anything different. This word-spell will hopefully now reach more people than ever, and stray far beyond the internet.”

Here’s how it begins. To read the rest of it, just click the link at the end:

Sometimes a Wild God  by Tom Hirons

Sometimes a wild god comes to the table.
He is awkward and does not know the ways
Of porcelain, of fork and mustard and silver.
His voice makes vinegar from wine.When the wild god arrives at the door,
You will probably fear him.
He reminds you of something dark
That you might have dreamt,
Or the secret you do not wish to be shared.

He will not ring the doorbell;
Instead he scrapes with his fingers
Leaving blood on the paintwork,
Though primroses grow
In circles round his feet.

You do not want to let him in.
You are very busy.
It is late, or early, and besides…
You cannot look at him straight
Because he makes you want to cry.

Read more

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10 Responses to “Sometimes a Wild God”

  1. Wow! Absolutely stunning. Deeply moving. Words (almost) fail me. Thank you for posting this Philip.

  2. This is absolutely incredible! Today is my 60th birthday and this poem comes along as if a prayer is answered, I didn’t realise was there. Although I am struggling financially at the moment I am definitely going to buy the book and cannot wait for it to arrive. I thank all gods and goddesses and especially Ceridwen and the Green Man for this precious gift. And of course also every person who has made this possible. Thank you from my heart and soul.

  3. I know Tom (a little) and his poem, which I too have read out in groupwork; it is indeed powerful and speaks to so many people at the moment. I also have the edition with Rima’s work. I’m so glad you’ve posted it here.

    I just wanted to say how much I also love Stephanie’s artwork, as Tom must have done. Conjures the spirit exactly (and as an aficionado of the painted caves myself, the painting works very well as a doorway, too, it seems to me).

  4. Ordered two copies.
    Had a similar experience myself over a period of a month. Though not described so eloquently, it was just as powerful. Thanks for sharing his poem.

  5. Endlessly fascinated by the communication of an individual’s passion in their poetry which defies the normal kinds of literary criticism – this is a great example. Wonderful poem.

  6. We have had readings of Sometimes A Wild God at Talliston House & Gardens, at both our poetry groups, plus during a pagan retreat. I find the words like a spell of language, invoked most powerfully when it is spoken. To find that the author is a storyteller is no surprise. This is deep in the woods, fireside material. Utterly beguiling and delicious. Like being lost in the forest.

  7. What an incredibly impressive and moving poem! I immediately ordered Tom´s book with Rima´s illustrations and I cannot wait to share it with my beloved anamcara. Thank you so much for introducing this fascinating wilderness poet!

  8. It brought tears. How exquisite this poetic song. I could do naught but welcome the black bear if only to find out where went the passion. How do I follow?

    My table awaits.

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