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 December 2020

“Dawn at Bridget’s Well” by Patricia Monaghan



“Dawn at Bridget’s Well” by Patricia Monaghan

 

In hope, in pain, in song we passed the night.

We have kept watch – kept faith – each in our way.

Our long dark vigil ends in spring’s mild light.

 

We ended winter with this ancient rite.

Strangers until we joined our hands to pray.

In hope, in pain, in song we passed the night.

 

Beside the guttering candles, a single white

Snowdrop nods to greet St. Bridget’s Day.

A long dark vigil ends in spring’s mild light.

 

So much is wrong, across the world: we fight

Each other, blight the land, betray

Our hopes. In plaintive song we passed the night.

 

Yet we believe and pray, acolytes

In service to a change too long delayed.

Our long dark vigil ends in spring’s mild light.

 

And we rise, renewed. Such ritual ignites

The fire in our souls. It’s a new day.

In hope, in pain, in song we passed the night.

The long dark vigil ends in spring’s mild light.

 

 

 

First published in Brigit: Sun of Womanhood, ed. Patricia Monaghan and Michael McDermott (2013). Permission by Michael McDermott.