This poem was composed for a ritual that predated Fieldhaven Coven in 2003, then repeated in our 2007 Imbolc ritual. Each of the main roles -- Smith, Healer, Bard -- has a section which can be read as an individual poem. These three sections weave together into a braid, forming the longer version of the poem. If you look closely you can see that the pattern of lines really does "braid" itself in a three-way pattern, rather than simply rotating. The effect is striking when performed by a triad in ritual.
The Smith’s Strand
When in the winter of the year Smith in scarlet awakes the flame Hammer strokes ring on anvil’s ear
So light of hand and sure of aim To see the weary world reborn In darkness whence the winter came
In fire and sweat the steel is born No time or space remains for fear Her mantle’s power wisely worn
* * * The Healer’s Strand
Signs of quickening spring appear Healer in green comes forth to tame Driving the cold away from here
Gentle the cares and soothe the shame When hearts are sad and souls forlorn Invoke the Goddess by Her name
From earth and water comes the corn In whispered mysteries sincere Fulfilling all oaths ever sworn
* * * The Bard’s Strand
Drawing the goddess Brigid near Bard in azure stakes out her claim Singing to all the season’s cheer
Voice of willow in sturdy frame Bring forth the glory of the horn And toward the morning send acclaim
From inspiration truth is torn But only what the heart may hear Illuminated by the morn
* * * Brigid's Braid
When in the winter of the year Signs of quickening spring appear Drawing the goddess Brigid near
Smith in scarlet awakes the flame Bard in azure stakes out her claim Healer in green comes forth to tame
Singing to all the season’s cheer Hammer strokes ring on anvil’s ear Driving the cold away from here
Voice of willow in sturdy frame Gentle the cares and soothe the shame So light of hand and sure of aim
When hearts are sad and souls forlorn Bring forth the glory of the horn To see the weary world reborn
Invoke the Goddess by Her name In darkness whence the winter came And toward the morning send acclaim
In fire and sweat the steel is born From earth and water comes the corn From inspiration truth is torn
No time or space remains for fear But only what the heart may hear In whispered mysteries sincere
Illuminated by the morn Her mantle’s power wisely worn Fulfilling all oaths ever sworn