Here, Again: the Autumn Equinox

Written for the Avebury Gorsedd, 24th September 2016 I wish you well... I’m here, again… Come riding in, upon the western wave My hair all wove with golden leaves, my breast As pale as moonlight on a hidden grave And all the sins of summer long confessed I come, again… In sweeping skirts, with white swan feathers strewn To brush the summer dust from weary grass Make ash of aspen, damp the flame of noon Before the frost freeze water into glass I bring, to you… Windfallen apples, berries from the hedge Long shadows on the barrows, and the chalk Wild winds to stir the willows and the sedge And mist, and myth, down every path you walk I’m here, again… The promise of the harvest to fulfil The energy of autumn, streaming through The swirling springs that spiral round the hill To drench the land in red and russet hue I come, again… Between the longest day and shortest night To fill the blood and marrow of your bones With all the orange glory of the light Before the dark descend upon the stones I bring, to you… A cornucopia of ripened fruit Dark juices of the vine in bottles bright To nourish soul and body, to transmute Your thought to dream, your dream to second sight For I am She… Am Autumn writ, in every field and tree Am mistress of the Owl and running Hare So yield unto my kiss, and blesséd be And dance with me, oh Druid, if you dare… @ Gail Foster 23rd September 2016