Welcome St. Brigid
6.56 am snowdrops push
through cloudless dawn
breathe in delicate Imbolc air,
heads bowed in prayer.
Half a teaspoon of candlelight
prayers for the king of kings
a promise to return.
Welcome patron saint of poets,
printers, farmers, nuns, sailors—
workers gather in quiet reverence.
The moment weighs on me,
half-formed cross in my hands,
rushes press between
thumb and forefinger,
each fold, each turn, a prayer,
each turn and wrap a word
weave a poem, a prayer.
Welcome patron saint of babies,
midwives, dairy workers, beer—
blessed, in earthly joy, holiness
hands on rushes,
fold with care —
prayers made visible,
Weave poems, bless
connections between
everyday and the divine;
this humble ritual binds us all.
Welcome St. Brigid, patron saint of poets.
Margaret T Rochford is a poet and playwright originally from Ireland living in London. She regularly performs her poetry at open mike sessions. Her poetry has been published in magazines and on line, she is working on her first pamphlet. Two of her short plays have been performed at the Irish Cultural Centre in London and she is currently working on a play about Irish dancing.
Amethyst Review 