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.