The Ghent Review Volume1, Number 1, summer 2016 | Page 35

to the communal ground.
Flame is prepared
there is singing
of the rightful liturgy
and her season-name is spoken softly.
She is named by season and starlight
she is attended by a bright attendance
she is honored in the surrounding shires
(where praise may pause but praise will not cease).
Now she gathers her children about her
now she distributes gifts and fruits
(and her insignia is carved on a tree).
She is the Hag reborn virginal
the touchstone of language and prophecy
the banner of brightness across dark grass
the stone children dance about.

Then come with chant and praise
with festive alertness
and let your heart be ignited
where the green within the growing is her joy
the green within the growing is her joy.