Imbolc Procession

The forest firs hung heavy, dark and drear above the needled carpet of the path,
and boughs of evergreen, though stately arched above at summer's height, were frozen near the ground, and overlain with white.

IT was dark and close, and heavy hung the air: ice-laden, frozen, filled with that despair which comes in dead of winter in those climes where February brings a chill that bears the soul to midnight shadowings.

In booted leggings, wrapped in fur and felt, a lonely traveler on the forest path
brushed boughs and snow aside; his tired steps broke through the frozen crust, while dim thoughts dwelt on home, as thoughts of travelers must.

This night, alone and near lost in the blast of snow and storm that clashed with tree and earth, and covered traveler and path alike;
a winter-woven pall; each step his last
he thought, until he heard them call . . .

Voices first: in barely murmured song
above the wintry moan of wind, and pine
bough swaying in the night-dark air above the traveler's weary frame. Then, yet a long way off, a candle's silver flame!

O gracious light, and blessed song, that broke upon the traveler's lost and frozen way, and through the darkness new hope brought of life, and light, and saving grace; and to him spoke of Gods, now present in this place!

Ahead, upon the path of snow, a blaze
of light burst forth, and with it song
of She, whose glory darkness turns to light, while in procession came, in rank on rank a choir, and candles bright with flame.

Good sir, a woman answering did state
before his gaze, Tis Imbolc's Eve,
and to the forest nematon we hie
with holy lights and song, to celebrate
the Day, and bid you come along!

O gracious light, O holy Brighid blessed, who over this bleak midwinter scene hath shone with glory born of God and Womankind:
from fear our hearts release and give us rest from strife, and bid our wandíring cease!

Thus through the merry turning of that night, in step with march and song the traveler went; each overhanging arch of bough and snow
that had before oppressed, now caught the light they brought, and wrought the travíler blest!