Summer Solstice

SUMMER SOLSTICE Queen Meabh stood beside the cairn, her velvet cape fluttered in the night air, She called onto the Goddess Aine to return the moon safe to its hidden lair. Braziers crackled as wood and turf warmed the dark hour before dawn’s light, Na Fianna Warriors guarded against the savage unknown forces of the night. A lone whistler’s haunting tune announced the Thuaith De Dannan clan’s arrival, And Morganna smirked as frightened eyes diverted their gaze in self survival. The heart beat of the bodhran was joined by the uilleann piper’s soothing soul, As evil Balor shook with fear, banished safe within his watery hell hole. Then moonlight sparkled the wild sea horses as the waves hissed onto the shore, Aine slipped into the blue of the night as the clans stood in darkness once more. Then Druids began to chant as queen Meabh raised her golden Torc and spear, Excitement roused the gathered crowd as they sensed the magic drawing near. The bodhran raced its primitive beat as chanting and music shook the world, On the horizon the sun God Eatain loosed the false sun, as nature was unfurled. The Druids entered the sacred cairn as outside the clans watched the true sun rise, Its sunbeam flowed across the land about to unveil its most wondrous surprise. Its beam lit up the chamber dais as golden ogham symbols glowed an amber hue, Clapping and singing rose to the skies as new beginnings were ringing true. The breakfast feast was shared to all and offerings were made to the mighty god, Four thousand years later we still honour this festival and respect the sacred sod. 26th May 2016 S.de B.