In a time before we measured time  With calendars plotted by murderous kings,  A people lived who called themselves  By long lost names we can never know. Back we wander toward them at Winter,  Haltingly, hopeful, hungry for light, As we witness the death of Autumn herself,  Laid on the riverbank, frosted with rime. Slowly, […]

This man set out for battle at the dawn, Ringing him, fortified, a wall of shields. Savagely attacked, seeking slaughter, Storming, thundering, the sound of the assailants. Stalwart, astute, strong this man With stabbing spear and slashing sword Above the blood tide, he slew the foe. Wading in strife, blows raining on heads, In the […]

Knowing how much Ela liked the translation of Song of Amergin I did a few years ago, it seemed like a good thing to base an award text on. Bran and Korrin did an amazing job designing and creating the scroll, and I was overjoyed to have a hand in the process.  You can see […]

A new poem grew out of some research into the archaeology of Navan Fort. mythologically known as Emain Macha.  Navan Ash Here I sit, thousands of years later clutching a book of burnt offerings and blood described by scholars loathe to judge those Gaels who orchestrated arson for their Sidhe. I dream bereft Ulaid piling […]

Here we are, stuck at home during a pandemic.  Far from ideal, that.  I can’t fix anything major, but I can share a little bit of art and hopefully help you pass some time.   Unwaith: a Welsh poem by Elin ap Hywel, translated by Robert Minhinnick An Crann/The Quince by Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, translated by […]

The last year has been an absolute whirlwind.  Acting as one of the royal bards, and planning and hosting my elevation to the Order of the Laurel and Alherin’s to the Chivalry was intense and wonderful, but didn’t leave a great deal of time for writing or recording the costuming projects that took up so […]

This year, I celebrate Imbolc with a new song of my own.  Birdsong Spoken introduction Recording of Birdsong The Raven’s eye sees everything, From winter’s death to birth of spring, He favors neither slave nor king But Bran’s own blessed singers. Broad wings beat the air in flight As life and death war through the […]

I’ve been working away on dozens of little projects, and then a million things happened at once.  I’m still processing.  I wrote a new song, and I love it.  It started out on a very different path than it eventually carved for itself.   I went to an event most of my closest friends don’t attend. […]

I went to a local SCA event yesterday called “The Wild Hunt.”  They had a pair of A&S competitions, one of which intrigued me. “Best fix” was all about a correction or repair, and this coat fit the bill perfectly. My partner Alherin began using a Valsgärde 6 helmet for tourney fighting in the spring […]

I’ve never been wild about competitions, particularly Bardic competitions, because of a myriad of reasons.  We all do things differently; we have different styles and time-periods that interest us; we focus more or less on spoken or sung pieces; favor different vocal styles; and on and on and on.  I think I’ve participated in six as […]