John & Priscilla Alden

Waxy Past

Seafaring Mayflower Pilgrim
Passenger Priscilla who so loved John
Begat a son named David
and prospered
By strange shores.

One child with many siblings
He, along with Mary
skippered on their DNA
Down through the generations
Shaped strong by tidal rhythms,
In spray of sea and swell.

Mothers, fathers, and their children,
Elders, farmers, simple folk
Toiling, thriving,
Sailing outward,
Onward bravely
They plyed that eastern shore.

Molded, formed and strengthened
Nurtured strong
By clear sea air
Day by day their salty course
Stayed fast
Steered true, the years gave way.

Suddenly this morning
As candles from past
Stared seaward from my mantle
Two waxy faces careworn,
Becalmed and etched by time.

Years three hundred sixty seven
Have passed since that David's birth.
Still on his line sails surging,
downwind inside my veins.
Moored fast, and firmly anchored,
I lie safe and sound onshore.



These candles of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins belonged to Nora, late '20s purchases I'd guess. It amazes me how some seemingly fragile random objects can stand the test of time.

Aldens in American culture

For the Record,
This day came in dark, rainy and humid, a strange November day. The temperature are supposed to fall, making it seem normal by tonight. We have only one more weekend left to really clean up the lingering last fall leaves.