I haven't started Half-Blood Prince yet, but thinking of the book always calls to mind my favorite quote from it, which occurs on 578. Mulling the scene over last night and this morning, I came up with the following poem...
Not Worried
"I am not worried, Harry,"
Said docile Dumbledore,
His kindly features withering with age.
Ensconced in silver splendor,
He searched his student for
The solace that would strengthen such a sage.
This sturdy sanctuary,
So certain and serene,
With sparkling stars reflected in his eyes,
Was Harry's firm defender.
He trusted in the teen,
Who dared not doubt the words of one so wise.
And yet, the burden boring
Into his startled soul,
The Boy Who Lived - the boy who love preserved -
Felt bravery abating,
Felt unfit for his goal,
Felt the professor's faith was undeserved.
Distressed for not ignoring
The headmaster's command
To let the poison do its deadly work,
He hesitated, hating
The foully blackened hand
And other marks received where demons lurk.
The frame, so frail and feeble.
The speech, so sadly slurred.
The weakness in a wizard once so strong.
He wished his prayers could carry
His teacher to the bird
With healing in his tears and in his song.
Unsettled by such evil,
He shivered like a child,
And yet he knew he had a job to do.
"I am not worried, Harry,"
His ancient mentor smiled,
And slowly strength returned. "I am with you."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Erin, this is beautiful. Really. It captures a very rich and memorable moment in such a lovely way.
I wonder if you could send a copy to JKR? I'm sure she doesn't read much mail anymore, but I wonder if something this beautiful might catch the eye of whoever reads her mail...maybe they would even pass it on!
I too love that quote/scene. It always seems so rich when you compare it to the "you are with me" line from earlier in the book. A kind of passing of strength (like the prophet's mantle).
I can't make myself start HBP yet. I know once I read that, there's only book 7 to go -- and even though I am really excited to read that final book, I am already feeling sad about exiting Harry's world.
Hope to post soon...it's been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks.
Thanks very much. :) It occurred to me the other day I've written very little Harry Potter poetry, and I think I'd like to write a few this month before I crack open book six. I know exactly what you mean about being reluctant to start it. There's definitely going to be a void after I finish book seven...
Anyway, I really love the development of Harry and Dumbledore's relationship in book six. Hmm, I suppose it couldn't hurt to send this along, though I imagine she has warehouses full of fan mail - wouldn't that be a fun job, sifting through all those letters! I'd sign up... ;)
Post a Comment