A poem about the ways Brighid is connected to travelers.
(Image description: A photo of a silhouetted figure standing in a dark tunnel with white light streaming through at the entrance. The figure is holding up an orange red light, casting a reflection against the blue tones of the tunnel.) Credit: Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
One of the less common connections with Brighid is Her patronage of travelers. Pilgrimages to one of Her holy wells or to Kildare are well-known locations, but I think Her presence in this domain stretches far beyond that. Additionally, there is a short saying in the Carmina Gadelica: “Thou Bride fair charming, pleasant to me the breath of thy mouth. When I would go among strangers, Thou thyself wert the hearer of my tale.” These associations inspired me to write the following poem.
Brighid the Traveler
A sacred name
Of long ago and modern fame
High and lofty,
Your whisper echoes softly.
In high places there
to the far-reaches of everywhere
Lady of the threshold
welcoming the young and the old
Listener of stories
of mundane tales and fantastic glories
Others speak of loss and sorrow,
Your time is theirs to borrow.
A kind and listening ear
Your cloak holding weary hearts so dear
Wayfarers cross Your sacred places,
hearts full of Your healing and inspiring graces
All fall under Your protective sway,
as they move along Your blessed way.
As You travel along,
Your history is a song.
Leave a Reply