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 November 2020

“Millstone” by Mael Brigde

 



Millstone

 

it is alleged

—can it be true? —

that your millstone

would not grind

a druid’s grain

 

this I can’t accept

this stone

guided by your grace

hurtling unsmashed

clear down the mountain

 

why would such a lavish gift

from such a giving saint

grow stingy at the druid’s faith?

 

you were kindly raised

by one of the elder cloth

kin and friends were pagan

you yourself bore

a goddess name

 

no

 

I think these are the words

of those who said

The Jews killed Jesus

when Jesus was himself

a loyal Jew

 

grind the druid’s corn

fair millstone

be what you were hewn to be

 

don’t take the blame

for cruel cowards’ acts




Image: "A millstone to heavy to lift?" by Ashley Dace.  CC BY-SA 2.0


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