I’ve wandered over hills and glades to groves,
To listen to the teachings of the elders in their droves,
To grasp and feel the magick, as it grips the stillness of the night,
To try to ease my mind, and find a truth
Within the light.
So many stories I have heard and learned, that I may tell,
About our ancient lands, and how we roamed them as young Kells.
The Kestrel, Falcon, and the Hawk, all would be our hunters then.
All for to fill the bellies of our warriors and men.

The ring of stones, these men command, to form an inner ring,
The fire within, the songs we’d sing, when Beltane
Summoned spring.
And casts out winters icy grasp, renewing life, and land,
The passing of our souls, and the beginning of our lands.
All of these things and so much more, I’ve learned to understand,
That all we find within our lives, already has been planned.
And when the solstice, brings a close, to life and all its pain,
We travel on through glade and grove,
To walk alive again.

Why should you try to understand, why should you harken me,
For I am just a mortal man, but deeper do you see,
Within this ageing case, lies the soul of many years,
Who’s knowledge is much more than mine,
It travels with no fears.
But pray take comfort by my words, for I have studied hard,
Think not upon the man that speaks, but listen to the Bard,
For even though your mind may find it hard to understand,
Your soul will always be set free,
To heed the Gods commands.

Lines rewritten in the Autumn 1997

Maélwys /|\