Where Shadows Do Not Drown
They left the green land behind,
where the púca ran unseen
beneath hollowed branches,
where tricks stirred in the mist
and footsteps never quite found firm ground.
Across the restless waters they sailed,
heavy with exile, grasping
the promise of gold and breath,
chasing the mirage of quiet years,
somewhere the ghosts could not follow.
But the rivers whispered—
not the rivers of home,
not the winding black paths
of the púca’s mischief,
but something heavier, deeper, waiting.
The bunyip did not grin.
Did not trick, did not twist fate
as the púca once had.
It only watched, only reminded,
only lurked beyond the fire’s reach.
Still, when the púca laughed from memory
and the bunyip stirred beneath the water,
they knew— some shadows do not drown,
they only change their shape.
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 16th, 2025 20:14
- Comment from author about the poem: The Irish púca and the Australian bunyip share intriguing similarities despite originating from vastly different cultures. Both are mythical creatures deeply embedded in folklore, often associated with mystery, transformation, and fear. While the púca leans toward mischief and unpredictability, the bunyip embodies fear and mystery, yet both creatures serve as cautionary figures in their respective mythologies.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 12
- Users favorite of this poem: Mutley Ravishes, sorenbarrett, Poetic Licence, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments6
Your poem weaves myth and exile with haunting beauty—shadows may shift, but their weight remains. A masterful dance of memory and menace.
Thanks MR, that is so relieving to hear. It can be tricky to decipher what will be read and appreciated. Your affirming words are much valued. 🙏🏻🕊️
Here shall these thoughts drown
Thanks for the Fave @Mutley Ravishes you are much appreciated🙏🏻🕊️
Love mythology and folk legends. Most interesting hos immigrating cultures bring their stories with them that combine with indigenous stories in more modern blends. The screech of the bunyip around the billabong might be quite eerie. Loved the poem and a fave
So true, thanks kindly🕊️🙏🏻
Thats a neat combination and I have been educated as i have never heard of either before. A touch of menace in the write but really nicely crafted, they may not drown but they can still weigh you down, loved the read, thank you
Most welcome PL/TN, and thank you kindly🕊🙏🏻
You are very welcome
Wow! Beautifully rendered. I new about the púca and now learned about the bunyip. Fascinating learning this poem provides and weaves mythology and the feeling of being isolated in exile fantastically together. A master class poem imho! Well done, my friend! 🌹👏
Thanks T, so glad to have brought the 2 and somehow made them one. Cheers🕊🙏🏻
You are most welcome, my friend!
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