A prayer on St Brigid’s Day
As I dipped my hand
in the well of eternal youth
that it is said was blessed by St Brigid
and splashed the cooling water on my face
my prayer was not for youthfulness
but for wisdom
for peace
and for laughter
For the spirit of Brigid
and her divine feminine energy
That same Brigid
who turned water into beer
who prayed for an end to suffering
Who cared for children
who welcomed women
I pray for her humour that disarmed
so much of the patriarchy around her
I pray for some of her indefatigable spirit
that brings newness every day
and is filled with compassion
and tenderness
for all of creation
And, this I know - there is always room for more beer
