The following is an analysis of my poem, "Touch of Autumn Flowers."
I won't provide an exhaustive explanation of this poem, as that would span several pages. It stands as one of my most intricately layered creations, replete with numerous double meanings. Nevertheless, I'll offer some background information on the flowers to provide hints regarding the interplay of botany, mythology, medicine, and magic within the verses.
In this poem, I diverge from my customary kennings, as found in my earlier works (with the exception of the raven). Instead, I employ the more conventional kennings drawn from Norse, English, and Icelandic poetic traditions, which I shall enumerate below.
At the core of this poem is a man immersed in the autumnal beauty of his garden. He becomes the central figure, addressed by an enigmatic or concealed woman who imparts instructions on the flowers as he traverses his garden.
The first stanza
Echinacea purpurea is often likened to "spiny sea urchins." Additionally known as Eastern Purple, it conjures images of the morning sun just before its ascent. Consequently, "the early cracks" position us in time, marking the early morning when light first penetrates the darkness.
This plant serves as a remedy for coughs and carries a deeper symbolism associated with strength, health, skills, and resilience. Yet, being a hermaphroditic flower with alternating leaves, it embodies the multifaceted aspects of the soul and is also linked to the shadowy facets of one's nature.
The second stanza vividly depicts the synesthetic experiences that certain individuals may encounter when surrounded by these flowers. The frequent visits of insects and birds, along with the rustling of the flower heads as they sway in the wind, amplify these sensations. Additionally, gophers are drawn to these flowers and often inhabit gardens during the autumn season. Jörd, the Germanic goddess of Earth, becomes their protector and sanctuary.
In the realm of witchcraft, this plant is harnessed to amplify the potency of spells and is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties. The thumb symbolizes the child, among other interpretations found in yogic mysticism. When combined with the two subsequent fingers, it embodies blessings and the protection of the triple goddess.
In this instance, the dew leaves a particular type of mark, akin to an open wound in the soul, which finds resolution later in the poem.
However, it's worth noting that the thumb and the dew may also hold more obvious interpretations, layered with additional meanings.
The second stanza
The day has progressed sufficiently, and the sun now radiates a warming embrace. "Glory of elves" serves as yet another moniker for the sun.
Helianthus autumnale, known as sneezeweed, plays a pivotal role in this narrative. The man in our story utilizes it to fill his pipe, which he has already equipped with Echinacea purpurea to counter any potential coughing from the smoke. The act of filling the pipe can also lend itself to psychoanalytic and erotic interpretations, which I shall leave unexplored at this juncture.
The smoke emanating from the pipe sets in motion a cascade of poignant memories, dreams, or events. It takes on the shape of a "swan of blood," a poetic term akin to "raven." Ravens hold a highly specific symbolism within my poems, which I may or may not expound upon in the future. Regardless, the smoke serves as a reminder that the raven can transform an individual into a "feeder of ravens," a poetic metaphor for a "warrior."
This transformation is elucidated by the flower's name, helenium, derived from "sun," but also bearing a connection to Helena, the daughter of Leda in Greek mythology. Helena symbolizes a desire that is inherently ambiguous—prohibited, detrimental, or morally complex.
The "drops of glass" encapsulate both the literal imagery of a crystal chandelier and the way memories manifest themselves to us—fragmented and dazzling.
Third stanza
Geranium sylvaticum, commonly known as Cranesbill, possesses the remarkable ability to heal and protect. Moreover, when wrapped around one's hand, it can be employed to cast a love spell on someone or shatter any curse that may have befallen them.
"Tears of Frigg" is a poetic metaphor for gold, alluding to the golden frame of a mirror—the "pond."
The reference to "Delight of Odin" serves as a poetic term for Frigg, invoking the well-known story of Frigg, the box, and the concealed secret. In this context, the secret is referred to as a lore endowed with the power to influence the entire world.
"Odin's Grace" not only serves as an alternative name for this flower but also underscores the connection to Frigg, who possesses the capacity to induce a state of frenzy. Why? Well, Odin maintains a love affair with Jörd, who is also known as the daughter of the night and is the mother of Thor.
"The rare spark of light...from sky...that ignites fire upon the earth" may initially appear as a simple description of the natural phenomenon of lightning and thunder. However, it also hints at the intricate relationship between Jörd and her son-husband, Thor, reminiscent of the complex dynamics within the triangle of Isis-Horus-Osiris.
This convoluted situation ultimately results in a "mark" created by the "blood-worm," a poetic reference to a "sword." This symbolism encompasses a multitude of meanings, including spirit, idea, initiation, masculinity, and, yes, the sword as a cutting and separating weapon.
This mark serves as a symbol, a rune, a message delivered by the ageless intermediary, Odin himself—the wanderer, the messenger, occupying a role more akin to Hermes in Greek mythology than Zeus.
The remaining verses narrate Baldr's tale and unveil the key to transcendence through reconciliation.
Forth stanza
Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, possesses a unique quality that hunters often utilize to attract game, such as deer.
Now, our protagonist, already fortified with protection from various other plants, employs red clover to its fullest potential. The subsequent actions, I trust, require no further elaboration.
However, we uncover an additional layer of meaning here. Bumblebees frequently visit these flowers, circling them in flight. Yet, in this context, the bumblebee takes on a deeper significance—it acts as the key that unlocks the secret box of Frigg, setting in motion the unfolding narrative that ultimately aligns everything in its rightful place.
Our protagonist has diligently gathered all the flowers and proceeds to arrange them in a vase. Here, "urn" serves as another word for a vase, yet it also carries the connotation of a receptacle in which our ashes are collected.
This section unveils a greater truth; it conveys that autumn is not merely the prelude to dying or winter but a stage in which nature readies itself for a new spring.
In a parallel manner, it underscores the concept that our journey doesn't culminate in mere rest but in a process of restoration with Baldr in spring, granting us the ability to "see the fairies" by cleansing our skin. In essence, a mere drop of dew on a finger is insufficient; we must immerse ourselves entirely to undergo transformation and transcendence.
