Give way the cold, let the thaw begin
As Winter transforms to Spring again.
Let all creatures of cold slumber rise
And feathers on wings fill the skies.
Brooks and streams are babbling
All harken to the song they sing.
The Crocus and the Daffodil
Casting off their Winter chill.
Bare boned trees show signs of life
For they've withstood cold Winter's strife.
Sodden fields soon to color green
As life returns where death once seen.
A tiny babe born one Yule
Nurtured through many Winter's cruel,
Has now grown to a maiden fair
Let the joy of Beltane fill the air.
From a child the maid she grew
With an innocence known only to a few,
Sheltered by her purity
As to fulfill her destiny.
In linen gown with golden thread
A crown of flowers round her head,
Was taken to a secret place
Where her lover could behold her face.
Now the maiden sweet with raven hair
Her soulful eyes and skin so fair,
Chance for to meet her lover's gaze
As he peers at her through his forest maze.
The Green Man Cern in gallant stride
Has claimed her for his maiden bride,
And from their love the two shall bear
A babe at Yule with raven hair.
Now the maiden has become the Crone
And she spends her time mostly all alone,
With sweet dreams of the Summer Land
Where she'll soon return to once again.
Old and withered when the Crone she died
No tears for her left to be cried.
Though the cycles of life sometimes seem cruel,
Still a babe is always born at Yule.
We will celebrate into the night
Our passage into this Pagan Rite,
Let all hear the drumming sound
For the seeds of Beltane have gone to ground.
Our heritage passed hand to hand
And shoulder to shoulder we will stand
By the water's edge for all to see
Sending love to the Universe, Blessed Be.
