dverse Posted by merrildsmith in Prosery You must use the line that I give you below.
“there is nothing behind the wall
except a space where the wind whistles”
from “Drawings By Children” by Lisel Mueller
There is nothing behind the wall except a space where the wind, Negafook, whistles his praise to the cold, stormy weather heralding winter. He is silent in the summer storms. He is quiet during spring squalls. He is noiseless when the first breath of fall loosens the leaves. It is only when the north wind scuttles through the space behind the wall that he purses his lips and makes his presence known. And that is when I put the down comforter on the bed. And that is when I climb under its comforting weight. And that is when I am thankful for the company of Negafook and the whistling lullaby he croons for me.
Wikipedia
In Inuit mythology, Negafook (or Negagfok) represents “the North Wind or, more eloquently, the spirit that likes cold and stormy weather.
❤ Beautiful. This would make a great bedtime story for kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. At the Back of the North Wind by Chesterton was a favorite of mine. Was my inspiration
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha! It worked very well! You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Fascinating write Debi. Thank you for introducing me to Negafook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, now for 31 years, my wife and I are captivated by the art and stories of the Haida people, and more recently, my wife has discovered the black stone carvings of the Inuit people. She has several small pieces, including a stunning carved black stone necklace. I find them as captivating as she does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an interesting life you and your wife must lead
LikeLike
Lovely poetic appreciation of this herald of winter!
LikeLike
Thanks Dora
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like to hunker down under the comforter while the wind whistles outside too. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this cosy piece and for teaching me a new word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ingrid for your sweet comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore myths, legends and stories based on them, especially ones I don’t know so well. I love the personification in your piece, Debi, when the north wind ‘purses his lips and makes his presence known’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kim. I also love those stories and my childhood reading of fairy tales has stayed with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is absolutely stellar 😀 I love how you describe and give us a glimpse of Negafook which can very well become a series of mythological poems in itself. 💝
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, good idea.
LikeLike
You invoked a desire to know more of such legends of the Northern lands, Debi Ma’am! Thanks for introducing some matters that would be nice to explore further.
Hank
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this legend. This is a lovely soothing piece! There is a nice rhythm to it. I can almost see it as a picture book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLike
Winter would be bearable with such a cosy story-telling nest to climb into!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was fun! And what a fun word, too – Negafook
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Misky. It was a fun prompt
LikeLike
Negafook doesn’t sound so bad! This is a fun piece that would be great to read to a child who is scared of noises. Good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kudos for finding a way to tame the message from the prompt line, very clever and creative. The myth of the Negafook is new to me as well. Native lore is always fascinating. I agree that this could be expanded and transitioned to a children’s story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Glenn for your encouraging comment.
LikeLike
I love myths… and this is very comforting one, and so needed when winter is cold.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bjorn
LikeLike