Dear Friends on the Friday Fictioneers bus,
Here is a guest post by Ian Partlow, a wonderful boy who is having his ninth birthday soon. He sees the world with the eyes of a child. While this comes naturally to him, it is a perspective that many writers would love to have restored to them, if only for a little while. Unfettered by the chains of time and with his Wolf by his side, Ian has the greatest gift of all — Imagination.
Happy Birthday, Ian!
Not inspired by the photo prompt from El Appleby just below…..
but issuing forth from the same magical world of mythical beasts and a young boy’s heart, here is….
THE WOLF
I have a glassy white wolf
Who is made of silky white fur
I have a wolf who brings the moon to the sun
Who howls at the day of the night
I have a wolf
Who can make the sound of wind
Who lives in the light of the moon
I have a wolf
As big as the sea
Who takes me to the other moon
I have a wolf
Who is not to be seen
Who can protect the wind from the sea
I have a wolf
Who floats to the end of life
Who can protect me from anything
by Ian Partlow
ironwoodwind 
Wonderful… the poetry and wisdom in the words, the wisdom and beauty in the Wolf’s face – glorious steps outside time – thank you so much for this gift, Doug
Dear Valerie,
Thanks for reading this post and responding in such a kind fashion. When I first read Ian’s poem via an e-mail I was struck by its beauty and simplicity and knew right away that I would share it with a wider audience if he would let me. (He did! And I am glad.)
You are welcome. (And wonderful.)
Aloha,
Doug
Fabulous, and so evocative. Well done, Ian. This has shifted my mood in a heartbeat.
I’ve missed you on the Fictioneers bus, Doug! We only take part once a month now. Your stories were always a highlight. 🙂
Dear Joanna,
Thanks for your kind comment. Ian is going to be reading them so it’s really nice of your to Mention him by name.
Aloha,
Doug
(And thanks for your kind compliment, too!)
🙂
Dear Doug,
After reading this poem through many more times than once, I’m touched by Ian’s beautiful worlds and his soul through them. Thank you for sharing his work and thanks to him for giving you permission to do so.
Perfect photo that captures the poet on the beach.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Tell the kid he’s a visionary! Thank him for letting you share it with us. Enriched my day for the next while! Petru
A sweet, beautiful and wonderfully simplistic poem. Congrats and Happy Bday to Ian 🙂 Tell him to keep writing!!!!
Great to see a post on your blog, Doug. Although it’s not written by you, Ian seems to be a kindred spirit. His words are powerful and beautiful.
I had a Wolf when I was younger too. He doesn’t visit often any more and I’ve always believed he’s moved on to another child. Please ask Ian to tell him hi from me, in case it’s the same one.
What is it they say about perfect timing? Looks like we have a new Friday Fictioneer! This poem is perfect for EL’s photo. And speaking of photos… what a wonderful one of Ian coaxing the Wolf who is not to be seen from the sea. Perhaps he can inspire the Iron Man on the Mountain to come out of retirement.
Happy Birthday, Kid!
Thanks, Ian, that was wonderful! Doug, thanks putting us in touch with Ian and his work. We miss you.
janet
Nice to haer from you BDoug – too. I like the poem. Especially the last three lines:
I have a wolf
Who floats to the end of life
Who can protect me from anything
What a great symbol of safety and security from a such an untypical source. Wish him a happy birthday from us. Randy
It is the very freedom of those shackles that allows children to write freely in their poetry and prose.
Loved these lines;
I have a wolf
Who can make the sound of wind
Who lives in the light of the moon
What a beautiful poem. Ian is very talented.
Awesome poetry, Ian! Thank you for sharing it.
Also enjoyed the music video, Doug. Mahalo! Is the time lapse photography from the observatory where you work? Beautiful!
Happy birthday Ian, thank you for this gift.
Dear Doug
It is lovely to hear from you again, we’ve missed you.
Please thank Ian for allowing you to show us his talent. He is a very gifted boy; I’m sure we will hear a lot more from him.
I hope he has a a very Happy Birthday.
Dee
Very much enjoyed the imagination of the poem — that wolf is powerful indeed.
Thanks for sharing this, Doug. As my daughter is 9 1/2 and also loves to write as well as do art, I appreciate it so much. Beautiful. XOXO-SWM