Writing Brigit


Writing Brigit

Many years ago I wrote my first Brigit prayer. Poem. Blessing... I have been writing them ever since, but seldom publish them. Some are carefully researched and crafted, some are simple and straight from the heart. (Belated update: I did eventually publish a book called A Brigit of Ireland Devotional - Sun Among Stars. It contains many of my Brigit poems and prayers, essays, and resources.)

The prayers and blessings of my sisters in the Daughters of the Flame and other Brigit-loving women and men, living and long-dead, fill me with surprise and delight, as well.

I would like to share some of these writings with you.

Following is the one that signs off each of my emails, a reminder to guide my words and intentions with care when I write to anyone. It's as good a place to start as any.


Flame Offering

In the name of the three Brigits

I light the candle of my heart

May I offer it to everyone

gentle and steady

warm and bright



22 October 2023

"drown me out" & "summoning" by cadence b.

 


drown me out

I do not feel alive

until it's already tomorrow

and I haven't slept in days

but even when the near-forgotten spectre

of drowsiness rears its head

still

I keep myself awake

because I don't want to hear myself feel

I drown out the sound of my thoughts

with as many decibels as I can muster

and I drown out the shaking of my hand

with the precision of the pencil and the brush

and I drown out the pound of my heart

with the rhythm of my footsteps

but I can't drown out the flame that's been lit in my core

the way it flickers

when I'm least prepared

I knew from the moment you rose from the steps

and I turned away so that I wouldn't have to face the light

I need you to drown me out

so that I stop trying to drown myself

 

 

summoning

beneath a dark moon

in the shadow of an eclipse

to which I spoke my true name

and heard it echoed back to me

I showed you my demons

and instead of running away

you cast a circle

to summon more

 

 

 

ImagePhoto of lunar eclipse by Paul Pastourmatzis on Unsplash.

Note: These poems were originally published in after / the / rift by cadence b. on Brigid’s Forge.