“Healing Ways” by Mael Brigde

bath of herbs    bath of milk

porridge of oats and hazel buds

and tender meadow leaves

these are the ways of healing

saffron when spirit’s low

cupping quells bones aflame

butter coaxes thorns

from flesh

sweat house

icy pools

rubbing limbs

these grow forceful

the lagging frame

lost in prayer you dimpled

the stones beneath your knees

where water pools today

cures joints and livid eyes

women with child

kneel there

and birth is kind

ways of healing   many

prescription always the same

place yourself in the hands of the land

trust your soul to the saint

Image: Saint Brigit and Porridge, photo by Mael Brigde
Note: Healing methods listed here, excepting the kneeling stones cure, were found in Fleetwood, History of Medicine in Ireland, pp. 7-9.