LUGHNASADH

Autumn this Lughnasadh day begins,
anon shall fields amber jewels wear;
the harvest we hail, the first grain scythe,
for abiding plenty chant a prayer.

Spring's green withers, her seeds to earth fall,
August's heat ripening crops cocoons;
First corn, blackberries, feasts of new food -
Summer's bounty Lugh's altar festoons.

Bread from newly threshed grain we prepare,
for to herald the Harvest God's reign;
may he this day with gentle show'rs bless,
his Mother our tributes shall sustain.

To the spirits our praises we speak,
thro' reaping Season their care implore,
that nor man, nor beast may e'er hunger,
that goodwill, light and love may endure.

The Oak King retreats, the God's strength wanes,
the dark grows as he southward proceeds;
the Great Wheel turns, the days shorter grow,
the Goddess grieves, as the light recedes.

Still she smiles, for his fruits the land fill,
his golden spark in her womb shall rest;
leaves his tawny hues to her shall bear,
that she may sleep in his radiance drest.

© 2015 Lily's Verse

Lilium Candidum

Image: THE ORCHARD
Source: www.liveinternet.ru

Artist: Franz Dvorak