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



05 January 2021

“Hungry” by Mael Brigde


Hungry

there is another side to you

goddess   saint   of our inspiration

your mouth that blew battle pipes

your earth that parted to swallow

the offered black-fringed fowl

smother her at the place

where three streams meet

 

we have ways to ken such things

dark forces of death   of letting go

smear of decay

from which new life unfurls

recognition of what our wills

cannot escape

or even

our own grim aspects taking root

 

regardless  

don’t think I haven’t seen

this bruise-blue visage   Brigit

these hungry teeth ready to snap in two

our pretty dreams of you

 


 

 


NoteThe sacrifice of a fowl was sometimes practised if a family believed they had not received Saint Brigit’s blessing on Óiche Fhéile Bhríde (Carmichael Carmina Gadelica I, pg. 169).

Image: "A honest look at the pain of mental illness." Photo by Kat J on Unsplash.

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