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



20 February 2020

A Reply to "Bird of Three Realms" by Nghia Nguyen

A couple of days ago four friends of mine came visiting. We read poems to each other and drank them in. We laughed and talked and meditated and ate together. I read them my poem, "Bird of Three Realms," and the next day Nghia sent me her poetic response.


























Ngồi đây lắng nghe                                     Seating here while listening
Thơ tả thiên nga                                         An insightful swan poem
Nối liền tam cõi                                          Links three realms
Thiên, địa nối thủy                                     Sky, Earth to Sea
Truyền thống Ái- nhĩ                                  Transmitted Irish traditions
Bạch mao xòe cánh                                    White spreading wings
Ôm tròn thế gian                                        Embrace  whole cosmos
Nỗi đau lê thê                                             Prolonged sufferance
Do Người lầm lỗi                                        Persisted human errors
Kỳ thị hiểu lầm                                           Prejudice, miscommunication
Cổ cao đài cát                                             Elegant long neck
Vút tận thiên thanh                                    Touching blue sky
Hàn gắng yêu thương                                  Healing with loving kindness
Nàng thiên nga đẹp                                     Oh beautiful swan
Âu Á giao lưu                                             Bridging East West
Lẻ  sống tương đồng                                   Sharing similar philosophies
Chan hòa sẻ chia                                        Harmony spreading                         
Nàng  bạch thiên nga                                  Gorgeous white swan
Tô điểm bức tranh                                      Highlighted old paintings
Thủy mặc sơn thủy                                     Dark Earth, clear Ocean
Nhà thơ đặt bút                                          The poet writes
Thời báo vận lai                                          The prophecy of future
Niềm tin Ái –nhĩ                                         Old Irish beliefs
Ngàn năm lưu truyền                                  Thousand-year cultural transmission


                                                                     by Nghia Nguyen



Image: "Swans on the Lake" (Vietnamese Hand Embroidered Painting). Uncredited

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