prayer to the dawning light

brigid walks barefoot through winter snows
a lantern in her hand and flowers in her train
the season has been long and cold and dark this year
and we, weary petitioners
are huddled in our homes for want of warmth

up then, your hopes!
sing of spring to come and growing golden light
as she is exalted, so we exalt ourselves
let every creature be blessed in its byre
every mother be watched over
every child be born in care
let all who are in need take shelter from the storm
let us feed each other
let us build our halls together

flowers will grow
where we make the choice to plant them
in the darkness of the night
light a candle and set it at your window
lady, i pray you lead us home