St. Brigid’s Eve

 St. Brigid’s Eve today in Ireland so an older one in preparation for her feast...

St. Brigid’s Eve 

This night, 

they would hang the cloths 

for birthing and healing

over the thorn branches 

for her blessing,

that as she walked the land 

the divine dew, twice sanctified 

by the dawn and the day both, 

might soak them sacred again 

and enrich them with this vigil’s virtue

for the passing of all pain.

This night,

they would sweep the hearth and house 

and bless the barn and the beasts,

settling the kine as Queens

in the golden hay of gratitude 

for their animal alchemy.

This night, 

they would leave out 

the old gifts of grace, 

the milk and the salt and the bread,

and light the lamp in the window 

with love for her,

their princess, passing in peace.

This night, 

the stranger that knocked 

would be welcomed and warmed,

invited to stretch their feet 

before the fire 

and offer a story to the circle.

This night, 

as the Moon rose over the mountains 

the old songs were sung,

and the women watched and waited

plaiting the rushes and the reeds

into ancient patterns of power.

This night,

as all surrender to sleep

she walks the land lightly,

breathing blessing, 

over barn and beast and babe,

she who fears no dark,

goddess named and God re-born,

by water and fire and blood,

in the Three who are One.

This night,

our ancient Abbess 

and lady of the Light,

of Kildare’s 

Oaken cell,

she whose cloak enfolds

the land she loves

comes by.

For this night,

is Brigid’s

night.

Image by Richard King