Imbolc 0* by Mad Sweeney.
*a new Pagan calendar system
except, unlike some monk we know,
were starting with 0. Might as well start now,
when everyones using 0.
Gather round, gather round
with the women in the house
with drums and with bells, they are
beating the bounds.At Nature Friends Farm, on
a Ramapo hilltop,
Green Man Grove is
gettin into Imbolc.Gather round with the men
outside in the cold
motioned in one by one,
we are cocky and bold!They test us, we best them,
they let us in
each one crowned with
a bag on his head,and must give forth a rhyme
quick as you spin
back to your childhood, or
you cant come in!So we danced and we circled
and progressed up the hill,
knelt to the earth and
tree, fire and well.So cold on the hill
as Susan and Peg
both bright with child
fast lit the flames.A fire in the snow
is Brigids bright crown!
A fire in the snow
under fast dark clouds!Bryan called clearly to
Manannan Mac Lir:
row, row your boat and
come to us here.He opened the gates and
we gave him a cheer!
Let the Gates be Opened
in the cold winter air.Praise to the Outsiders
all that theyre due
now sing them a song to
keep them amused.And Brigid, our Patroness,
what can we say?
here we are asking for some
Imbas Forasnai.Brigid had a little lamb,
its fleece was white as snow,
and everywhere that Brigid went,
the lamb was sure to go...Ancestors all,
invoked now by John,
this old man,
he played one...Nature Spirits called,
in the quick-rising storm,
by lunatics singing
Old MacDonalds Farm;and Goddesses and Gods,
whoever they might be:
The more we get together,
the happier well be.Each called to her own
some whispered, some sang,
some soberly chanted,
some even harrangued.The storm is moving swiftly,
but it still hasnt snowed.
The wind crests the mountains,
and the trees start to bow.Brigid was honored
by Peg, our bouncing Bard,
Lady Brigid spark
the flame within our hearts.The praises were lovely,
but some were scary too
five of the women sang
Little Bunny Frou Frou.Yule Greens were offered;
a whoosh and theyre gone;
the hot yellow flames
made us stand back some.Norma offered a dolly
made of lace, reed and ribbon.
Brigid took the cradle and
the dolly in a second.Gather round, gather round
a fire in the snow,
a fire blazing bright
under dark grey clouds.Gather round with the Grove
and invoke something.
Brigids white mantle
will surely bring the spring!