A poem exploring the matter of St. Brighid’s headaches.
(Image description: A photo of a light-skinned person with long, dark hair. They wear a long, black hood, dark red, laced top, and a silver triquetra necklace. The background is a snowy forest.) Credit: Photo by petr sidorov on Unsplash
One of the details in St. Brighid’s hagiographies refers to Her as having headaches. To my knowledge, the headaches’ symptoms weren’t specified, so I took some liberties while writing this poem, suitable for Disability Pride Month. It’s possible that St. Brighid had an invisible disability. Also fitting, the Brighid’s mantles or ribbons left out for Imbolc/St. Brighid’s Day were said to heal headaches, among other illnesses.
Disabled Brighid
Were there days you didn’t walk the land, Brighid?
Days where Your headaches left You listless, bedridden
Days forcing You to heavily lean on Your staff,
in order to endure the days of Your wonders
Pain ‘round your eyes so terrible
that Your mantle’s hood was a mercy to You
Vertigo so swaying, akin to being in a curragh
the bed a refuge against the dreadful waves
Even with Your ever-present faith,
healing wasn’t quick, but a crawl
Days spent in labor and effort,
only to leave You reeling again
The joy and humor in Your heart,
Your aides during You and Your sisters’ work
The headache-free days a blessing,
with a prayer sent heavenward in thanks
Leave a Reply