The Feast of Brighid
~ La Fhéill Bhrighde
The spring in the air
on a wintersday in February
or maybe
even already, at the end of January
is like the fanfare
announcing your arrival.
Just in time for my revival.
For I have become old and smeary
weak and weary
and the vultures have already
gathered at my garden gate.
Bhrighde, Breath of new Life
spare me that dreaded fate.
Guardian of Fire and Hearth
walk up the short path
through my muddy and bare garth.
Let me bath in the warm water of your tears
and gently cleanse my wounds made by evil's spears.
Let me wash away the dirt and smears
of jealousy and rivalry
of gluttony and vanity
and of false fears.
With your sweet breath of fresh air
blow away
the folly and fantasy
that have nested in my hair.
Wrap me in the bandages of your Love
that fit like a glove
and heal my open wounds
and mend my broken bones and heart.
Then, before I have to make a new start
come and sit with me
while your fire warms me
tell me a story
that will remind me
of here and now and harmony
Or sing me a song
about right and wrong
and the immortal family
to which I once more will belong.
The spring in the air
on a wintersday in February
or maybe
even already, at the end of January
is like the fanfare
announcing your arrival.
Just in time for my revival.
For I have become old and smeary
weak and weary
and the vultures have already
gathered at my garden gate.
Bhrighde, Breath of new Life
spare me that dreaded fate.
Guardian of Fire and Hearth
walk up the short path
through my muddy and bare garth.
Let me bath in the warm water of your tears
and gently cleanse my wounds made by evil's spears.
Let me wash away the dirt and smears
of jealousy and rivalry
of gluttony and vanity
and of false fears.
With your sweet breath of fresh air
blow away
the folly and fantasy
that have nested in my hair.
Wrap me in the bandages of your Love
that fit like a glove
and heal my open wounds
and mend my broken bones and heart.
Then, before I have to make a new start
come and sit with me
while your fire warms me
tell me a story
that will remind me
of here and now and harmony
Or sing me a song
about right and wrong
and the immortal family
to which I once more will belong.
