Witch Stone by James McIntyre (2023)
The narrative centers around a significant stone in Forres, a relic tied to the historical persecution of witches. The stone symbolizes the tragic fate of two women who were executed, their ashes buried beneath it. The story unfolds with a man who, lacking respect for the stone's historical importance, breaks it to use in his wall. This act of disrespect prompts the local authorities to intervene, leading to the stone's restoration. The man is compelled to replace the stone and encase it in iron bars, signifying a protective measure over the past and its memories. The work reflects themes of history, memory, and the consequences of disregarding cultural heritage. It emphasizes the importance of honoring the past while also critiquing the actions of those who fail to recognize its significance. The narrative concludes with a hopeful note for the town's prosperity, suggesting that acknowledging and preserving history can lead to a flourishing community.
By James McIntyre · First published 2023 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Folklore · 106 words
First lines
At Forres is a large round stone, A relic of the days by gone;
For here there were two witches burned, Underneath their ashes urned.
A man with veneration small Broke stone and built it in his wall, But the authorities of town Made him full quickly pull them down.
Replace each piece, and it environ With large bars of good Scottish iron;
What this Textopian page supports
Witch Stone is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 2023 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 2023 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Folklore, Literary Fiction, Supernatural
- Length: 106 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Witch Stone by James McIntyre
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by James McIntyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The poem references historical events involving witches and local lore, grounding it in a specific cultural context.
- Folklore — The themes of witches and local legends suggest a connection to folklore traditions.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction, focusing on cultural and historical reflection.
Tags
Fantasy · Mystery · Thriller · Adventure · Supernatural · Magic · Mythology · Folklore · Celtic · Paganism · Witchcraft · Occult