Brigid's Braid
by Elizabeth Barrette
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
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
