Awakenings

As we approach the start of the first spark of spring in ancient times, that time of year called Imbolc, the 1st of February, it seems apposite to have a poem celebrating the coming season. It's also known as Candlemas, so I've also put a reference to candles there as well. The Grey King of Winter's rule is slowly loosening his grip on our land, and the buds begin appearing on the trees. It is also a time for lambing (according to one etymology, Imbolc refers to "ewe's milk") and for making corn dollies. The day of Imbolc was also celebrated by burning lamps and lighting bonfires in tribute to Brigid.

Awakenings

Mother Earth opens a sleepy winter eye,
And the green blade rises to the sky;
Softly, the dryads sing the trees awake,
And ice sheets thaw across the lake,
In meadows, lambs frolic in the snow:
First spring, the awakenings we know
And love: a time when Chanters sing
The Ancient Lays that hope does bring;
And while the Grey King still looks out,
And gales and storms may yet shout,
Like banshees across our lovely land,
Still with reach of his fell hand,
Yet his shadow fades, his grip weak;
Buds for leafing, as the dryads speak:
The snowdrops burst forth, so white,
And sing out of the returning light:
Wake, wake, for the time comes near,
Light the candle and remove the fear;
On window sill, warm glow of flame,
As candle flickers, as once more came,
The corn doll making, the olden craft,
And cattle nurture newborn calf;
The light returns, the stream flowing; 

And on the hilltop, bonfires glowing.