Spirit Animal

The edit button isn't working. :/

I feel stupid now. I didn't see your note at the bottom as PnQ shows up wonky on my phone. I now know that you were going for a transformation from human to beast and I'm sorry to sound stupid in my comment. :P

Anyway. Lovely poem.

After reading this over and over again, I couldn't not comment. Apologies if it covers the same ideas that other already have, it just needs more attention as it is a beautiful piece.

"Bide by the Moon,
follow Her glow..."

^ I love the intro, how it's demanding in a way but also sets a gentle tone. It's alluring and a clever use of the incantation.

Candles float like
stars above her,
each one like a vial
of eternal light.

^ Pretty imagery. I love how you bring stars to mind, it paints such a peaceful moment.

She bathes in flakes
of freedom, summoning
strength for the
journey before her.

^ it feels like a metaphorical journey that she is in preparation of, it's interesting how you say "flakes of freedom" it makes me think of the feeling of snowflakes hitting against the skin. It feels magical in a sense.

The spirit animal
within her howls
as she chants,

^ this pulls a really powerful image into my mind. I've always been one to connect with the idea of spirit animals. I believe that the one that has chosen you has a deep rooted connection in your life, and comes from deep within your being. This stanza gives a powerful image of the feelings of that connection.

impatiently waiting
for the caves in
her flesh to form
the magical bond
that she shares
with the orb
of night.

^ interesting stanza. I've read it over and over again and it brings to mind a werewolf transformation. I know that isn't what you are going for, but I thought that I would share that with you anyway. It's a powerful ending to a powerful poem. ^^

I've greatly missed your poetry, Hannah. I really hope to see some more of your beautiful poetry soon. It's saddening that your most recent poem was December of 2014. Anyway, hope that all is well for you.

Much love,
Formidablemuse

You did very well with this challenge

Wow Hannah -

This really is an amazing poem, and so eye catching in its layout too, and title!!

I love the idea of making this poem from a spell, and how you incorporated that into the story, by making this witch wish she was the spirit animal instead.

It does have a "chant" like beat to it also, which is a pleasure on the tongue, but also ties in very well with the spell type rhythm.

"flakes of freedom" is just such a powerful line, it really does just show how trapped perhaps she has felt within herself, and that she is so impatient to get her change, it really shows her desperation. And perhaps she feels that by changing herself, her being, it will bring some sort of happiness, or change into what and who she is.

Creative idea Hannah, and beautiful poem!!

The first two stanzas hold beautiful imagery that happen at night. Since the title is spirit animal and you used bide, it could mean wolves or a certain kind of dog :). Packs always stay together. The journey part is interesting, it seems like she might be following the moonlight and stars as her guiding light, following them to a discovery that is not yet uncovered. This is where the wolf comes in, as her spirit animal arises within. It seems like 'the journey' is to find out where she came from or to find her true pack or home! So she follows the other bays. She is awaiting to be turned into a wolf herself to hold that freedom within her that she so desires. Beautiful work. 5/5 and nominated!