Beltane

Have you ever stood in the April wood

and called the new year in?

While the phantoms of three thousand years fly

as the dead leaves spin?

There's a snap in the grass behind your feet

and a tap upon your shoulder.

And the thin wind crawls along your neck

it's just the old gods getting older.

And the kestral drops like a fall of shot and

the red cloud hanging high

come - a Beltane.

Have you ever loved a lover of the old elastic truth?

And doted on the daughter in the ministry of youth?

Thrust your head between the breasts of the fertile innocent.

And taken up the cause of love, for the sake of argument.

Or while the kisses drop like a fall of shot

from soft lips in the rain

come - a Beltane.

Happy old new year to you and yours.

The sun's up for one more day, to be sure.

Play it out gladly, for your card's marked again.

Have you walked around your parks and towns so knife-edged orderly?

While the fires are burned on the hills upturned

in far-off wild country.

And felt the chill on your window sill

as the green man comes around.

With his walking cane of sweet hazel - brings it crashing down.

Sends your knuckles white as the thin stick bites.

Well, it's just your groaning pains.

Come - a Beltane.