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!~