The Mistress
of The Mantle
(A
traditional-Welsh-style poem...7 syllables...specifically for Bridgid...19
stanzas)
by Jillbe Badb
Druids, oh dru, wake and see
Evoking me is the key
Sidhe and Fili tell of me
Divination, prophesy
White staff of birch and willow
Through all vines my blood does flow
White skinned red-eared faery cow
Pale snake slithering below
Fish within the healing wells
Ravens’ nests and cockerels
Winter lambs and baby calves
Splitting Winter in two halves
Marriage to Bres, ending war
Birthing Ruadan, Luchar and Uar,
My sons wed sacred daughters
Blessing isles’ lands and waters
Giving you thoughts and healing
Poems, midwives, smithcrafting
Bride, Bridey, Brighid, Brigit,
Magick where three rivers split
Brigantia, Briggidda
Of love, mothering and awe
Brid, Brigh, Bhrishde, Breeshey, Ffraid
Crone, Mother, innocent Maid
Breo-saighead fiery arrow,
Bringing justice and sorrow
For nineteen days speak to me
Of rock, wind, water and tree
For nineteen nights stoke the fire
Dreams from flame, ever higher
For nineteen moons, scry the well
See me within, ever still
For nineteen suns, birth to man
I weave the cycle again
Cloak hanging upon Sun’s rays
With you ‘til the end of days
Oh my children, come to me
In the Summerlands to be