Since I first heard the phrase “snapper-up of unconsidered trifles” I’ve thought the description suited me, as I pride myself on my curiosity and am always interested in learning new ideas and irrelevant facts.
But the trifles that interest me aren’t always intangible: I also tend to pick up things when I’m out walking and often have to unload the feathers, pebbles and other bits and bobs that accumulate in jacket pockets or at the bottom of my handbag.
The other night, though, I found something that required rather more gentle handling, so I was glad that I had the inevitable notebook to hand so I could keep it flat between the pages until I got home.
I think it must have been torn from a fox’s tail.
Of course I may be very wrong about its origin. It’s entirely possible that it was torn from some kind of ultra pedigree pooch, or even an unpleasantly authentic fur stole or fringe.
Even if that’s the case, it’s still rather lovely. And I think it warrants quoting a few lines from A blessing for those who dwell in the green from A wound in time, the first of the three books in the Modern Pagan Prayers series:
Blessed be those who dwell in the green
those who dwell in the dark
hearts beating in the in-between[…]
Blessed be those with jewel-bright eyes,
with feather, fur and scale
Blessed be the ancient, patient ones
with hoof and horn and tailBlessed be those dressed in blossom
in leaf, tendril and thorn
Blessed the dark and silent ones
with forms and shapes unknown[…]
Blessed be those who dwell in the green
those who dwell in the dark
hearts beating in the in-betweenMay their voices be heard
May their colours be seen
May their bodies be honoured
May their lives be revered
As the piece says, “May their voices be heard”. But most of us are familiar with that difficult question posed by Ylvis: “What Does The Fox Say?“.
I think the other night he probably said, “OUCH!”
don't confuse the narrator 