Take Up The Tale!
Malcolm Guite's new Arthurian Epic
Today is the U.S. release of Galahad and the Grail, Malcolm Guite's first volume in his epic four volume Arthurian poem, Merlin's Isle (published by Rabbit Room). He opens up with an enchanted poem recalling the vivid summons he received to tell this ancient tale anew. It has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of poetry for many reasons! Read it slow and consider buying a copy of his book for yourself — you might just be swept up into something wild and enchanted that will deeply change you along the way! — Take Up The Tale by Malcolm Guite As I walked out one morning All in the soft fine rain It seemed as though a silver veil Was shining over hill and vale As though some lovely long-lost spell Had made all new again And through that shimmer in the air I seemed to hear a sound As though a distant horn were blown in some lost land that I had known That seemed to speak from tree and stone And echo all around. And with the music came these words: ‘Poet, take up the tale! Take up the tale this land still keeps In earth and water magic sleeps The dryad sighs, the naiad weeps But you can lift the veil. From where the waves wash Cornwall’s caves Out to the white horse vale The lands still hold the tale of old Like hidden treasure, buried gold Once more the story must be told Poet take up the tale. Tell of the king who will return Tell of the holy grail Tell of old knights and chivalry Tell of the pristine mystery Of Merlin’s Isle of gramaryre Poet take up the tale. Take up the tale of courtesy Take up the tale of grace Revive the lands’ long memory Summon the fair folk, let them be, something of faery, wild and free Still lingers in this place Lift up your eyes to see the light On Glastonbury Tor Then come down from that far green hill To where the sacred waters spill And shine within the chalice well And listen to their lore. Yea, listen well before you start, Be still ere you begin See through the surface round about The noise, the rush, the fear, the doubt Though Modern Britain lies without Fair Logres lives within You may yet walk through Merlin’s isle By oak and ash and thorn The ancient hills do not forget And you might wake their wisdom yet Who knows what wonders might be met On this midsummer morn.’ So I have taken up the tale To tell it full and free The tale that makes my heart rejoice I tell it, for I have no choice I tell it till another voice Takes up the tale from me. — You can purchase the book here. You can listen to Malcolm read it on Audible here.