Flamekeeping In the Park

It seems that nearly every shift finds me outside, at one point or another. Today’s shift is no exception: it’s beautiful and after I shower, I will probably meander to a park and read or crochet.

Last shift, I wrote some poetry for the first time in a long time–a welcome pastime, particularly as my emotional and mental state has not been too conducive to creativity lately. It felt wonderful to be sitting there in the cool of the morning, watching people stroll and loll on the grass, the sunshine on my face, the shade of the tree on my back, the presence and companionship of Brighid, and her Flame, in my heart, and these poems coming from my pen.

 

 

A Midsummer Poem

This Midsummer, I’m focusing on a primary mystery of Brighid–the “fire on water,” or, more specifically, “sunlight on water,” as a manifestation of that mystery.

As I focus on my creativity, on my spirituality and my emotional and physical well-being, I adopt the image of a river, sparkling with sunlight, to help me maintain the flow of physical and emotional energy (water) and the spark and energy of creativity and spirituality (fire) in my life. I feel like I’ve been doing very well in myself lately, and I want to maintain that, and not get drained or burned out (double puns, sorry).

So, after I did a small ritual to help me maintain that energy and spark that creativity, I wrote this poem:

 

A Little Bit of Flamekeeping Angst

Sorry. I’ll keep it brief.

 

The Heron

A poem, and also, perhaps, a prayer, indirectly related to Brighid.

steady and tall

a heron wades deep

still in slow waters

gazing down into depths

holding wisdom

pearls to be uncovered

I can only dive so far

I can only stand so tall

but I stand with you

I fly with you

 

Salmon of Wisdom

A reflection on a particularly potent meditation/vision of Brighid and myself:

pull me flying
watch me flying
from the water
rod casts me far
but flies me back
into gentle hands

I am the Salmon
Salmon am I
I feast on myself
for wisdom
caught, I am held
from water to air is bliss
but also death

 

Candle Prayer

Brighid, Lady of Fire
Comfort us with your warmth
Brighid, Lady of Water
Wash away our pain
Brighid, Lady of Healing
Free us from that which ails us

Brighid, Great Lady
Fill us with your healing fire
Grant us rest

(Recited as a carved candle is lit as an offering on Brighid’s altar)

Posted in honor of Thomas and Mari

 

Flamekeeping with Finn

Hi all, my name is Finn. I’m part of the Cauldron Cill as well, and I’d also love to post various and sundry bits about my shift experiences and my life with Brighid.

As patron of poets, and poetry, my devotions to Brighid very often take the form of poetry. Being a writer, much of my work (poetry, fiction, screenwriting) is devoted to Brighid, but I especially love to write poems to Her, and to Her alone. 

So, without further ado:   

 

fires sunk far below

drifting under waves

they shine molten

warming all waters

and as I bathe

watching gold run off skin

I think of you

and hold your flame steady

deep in your well