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Her Wellspring
(The first stanza is the
"Burden", or chorus.)
The waters dark, beneath the Earth
Wellspring of Life, True Mother's Milk
Carrying Mægn from Wyrding Well
Flows in our hearts, flows in our souls
Nerthus, Mother, good, fertile Earth
Birthing green life, which sustains us
Fodder for beasts, fruit for the plate
Give thanks we do, for stream of Life
- Burden -
In Elder Days, we knew You well
And lived our Bond, in Your goodwill
We also knew, give Gift for Gain
Was our Duty, for Common Weal
- Burden -
When the Maytree, springs bright and green
Comes the day to, show honest thanks
Laughter and song, feasting and drink
Words for Mother, and pictures, too
- Burden -
The day does start, with rising Dawn
Mani has slid, into his bed
Sunna barely, peeks o'er the trees
The Folk gather, for Dressing Rite
- Burden -
Echoes of Blót, are in our ways
Dark Fee for Her, Who Does Send Life
Feast swine is slain, with Blessing words
Boar's blood reddens, wells in Her name
- Burden -
Day is merry, and day is long
All are happy, Luck's been assured
She has Her fee, and Wells are dressed
Folkways honored, day comes to rest
- Burden -
And Wyrdly comes the Water's Touch
That mighty flow which livens all
For without Spring, inside our hearts
Our Souls will die, and become dust
- Burden -
Nerthus, Mother, good, fertile Earth
Birthing green life, which sustains us
Fodder for beasts, fruit for the plate
Give thanks we do, for stream of Life
- Burden -
- Burden - (Last line softly)
© Stefn Ullarsson Piparskeggr, 26 Lenting, 2252 RE
Catamount Grange Hearth . Poetry books by Pipaskeggr at Cafepress.com
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Image: Tellus mater, detail from the Ara Pacis in Rome. Image Source
Author´s Notes:
Reading an account of a Pagan remnant in rural England, I came across these words: “.. the waters dark beneath the earth ..” It refers to a ritual called “Dressing the Wells” that occurs at May Tide. The celebration centered around the crofters and thorp dwellers who - using natural materials like pebbles, grass, bark, feathers, clay, and the like - would create pictures from folk lore and life. Traditionally these festivities were led by the local Landlord; later by the village Vicar. The focus of these rites was to bless the water of the wells visited. In all accounts, the local folk made reference to “She,” meaning the Earth Goddess. Naturally, my thoughts turned to Nerthus. These are those inspired words, put to song. The first stanza is “burden”, meaning chorus. It is meant to be repeated when seen.