this way lies galloping melancholia …

~ Mari Adkins

I saw one put a hollow reed to his lips. It was a forlorn, sweet air that he played, an ancient forgotten strain learned of a shepherding woman upon the hills. The Song of Songs it was that he played: and the beating of hearts was heard, and I heard sighs, and a voice like a distant bird-song rose and fell. “Play me a song of Death,” I said. Then he who had the hollow reed at his lips smiled, and he played again the Song of Songs.

(By: Fiona MacLeod (William Sharp, 1855-1905) The Silence of Amor)

Published by Mari Adkins

Appalachian gothic fiction writer - my works reflect a love of literature flavored by the darkness and magic residing in these ancient mountains. In my spare time, I Sim, I TikTok, I journal, but I always have a very strange sense of humor. I have lived away from the mountains and lived deep in the mountains. I currently live in Central Kentucky with my life partner and his cat. The mountains, their culture, their superstitions, their particular magics, will always be in my blood.