Legend of the Griffin
Akin to giants of Greek fame
_Who ruled the ancient world,
He held the minds of mortal men—
_A marvel to behold:
An eagle’s beak, a piercing eye,
_A freedom-loving wing,
A lion’s frame, a fearless heart,
_The valor of a king.
The ancients loved and worshipped him—
_The old world’s golden sun,
They basked in his protective rays
_Until the time had come
To shift the shining of his light,
_To move his golden nest,
To watch as brilliant solar rays
_Rose in the waking West.
To cross the ocean through the air—
_To mortals seemed absurd,
But could not sway our godlike beast,
_And he was not deterred.
He fought the distance and the winds
_And reached the shore at length,
But through his struggles he had lost
_His every drop of strength.
He closed his eyes, his breathing slowed,
_He felt his death at hand,
And as he died, he gave his soul
_To those upon the land—
A soul that let its freedom ring,
_A strength that knew no bounds,
An eagle’s will, a lion’s power
_Soaked through that sacred ground.
We knew. We heard his ancient voice
_On that historic turf
And raised a country from the place
_We know as Griffin’s Wharf.
Our freedom, strength, and nation’s pride,
_As if to pay a debt,
We feel each moment of our lives,
_And never will forget.
Iryna Hall immigrated from Ukraine in 1997 and is now married and living in Utah.
Beautifully written, Iryna. I have been fascinated by Griffins since reading “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” as a child where it is spelled “Gryphon.” I have the original book with the picture. “Griffin’s Warf” Many may not know the significance of Griffin’s Warf. Griffin’s Wharf is the historic Boston waterfront site where the Boston Tea Party took place on 16 December 1773. Your poem contains great sensitivity and patriotic feeling that is elevated by your magnificent portrayal of the birth of a nation.
Iryna, Clever segue from ancient mythology to new world iconography while drawing symbolism from distinct parts and reassembling and interweaving them back into a historical moment. I particularly liked the transatlantic crossing with the infusion of a dying past into the promise of a new future. The strong rhythmic flow and compelling narrative more than compensate for the occasional recourse to near rhyme. Beautiful creative verse which transforms a minor moment into a mini epic.
Enjoyed your poem very much, Iryna. Welcome to the US from a fellow Immigrant!
Imaginative and creative use of the landmark name to shape a tremendous tale, Iryna. Your impressive legend, based on classic myth and symbol, gives dramatic and unexpected patriotic feeling to my own dim memories of Griffin’s Wharf as it stands now in Boston.
LIMERICK: The Griffin Wharf insurgency
Was the start of the Land of the Free,
King George was most nettled
It couldn’t be settled,
Over scones and a nice cup of tea.
What a great poem, Iryna. I tried to write something a bit highbrow and mythical to match, but failed.
I love the mix of myth and modern and how you incorporated it into the birth of the US of A.
Exquisite diction, superb control of meter, and a resonant theme. Who could ask for more?