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WELL ENOUGH by Brigid Clare Oak

As a woman who loves words, it will sometimes strike me; the way a word can have more than one meaning…

…and yet how there can be some subtle relation between those meanings in particular instances. This piece of writing came from such a connection of meanings in my mind. 

I had been ruminating on the many loves in my life that, in spite of their intentions, had simply not been enough to free me. Then I thought of the Presence my Beloved Brigid of Ireland and how She seems always to "show up" when I feel the most wounded, weary, and powerless. Much of the imagery here, including the well, is associated with Her: both as Christian Saint and Pre-Christian Goddess.

 I am thankful for Her Soul-Friendship. 
"Bridget's Mantle" artistic quilt by Bee Smith 

Well Enough 
by Brigid Clare Oak 

I lay limp
at the bottom
of the well
It is cold
and dark
The climb
seems impossible
The light
distant and small
But Someone
has loved me
well enough
to send
a bucket down
A container
for my disappointments
attached to a rope
braided from strong fibers
of faith, hope, and forgiveness
I know that
to take hold
I must let go
I sing my ascent
The hymns of my fathers
The keenings of my mothers
The secrets of my sisters
The tauntings of brothers
I have not known
I sing them all
and I climb
My prison becomes
a birth canal
a sacred portal
from trap to transformation
My hands burn
but not nearly
as hot as my heart
The yearning for Life
churns in the pit of my stomach
as my pit of despair falls
further and further beneath me
I feel the first
silky fingers of warmth
stroke my hair
I pause there
just a moment
and offer my face
to the Comforting Sun
And I understand
She is the One
Who has loved me
well enough
I smile, I sing, I climb.

(Find more of Brigid's poetry in our new book! Just click here
St. Brigid of Ireland



Brigid Clare Oak lives a quiet life of poetry, prayer, and presence. She is a liturgist, vocalist, and composer of spiritual songs, and works also in the field of elder care and companioning. Brigid is mother to three beloved children; two grown sons and a teenage daughter. Together they enjoy copious amounts of tea, laughter, and love. 








~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

Comments

  1. So gorgeous.... this soul.... this vessel in which it resides.
    Words that speak to multitude climbing with you
    from the plunge that is Life. Thank you. Omah

    ReplyDelete

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