Morning Prayers

The view from the hill-top cottage I lived in, in Bangor, Gwynedd (overlooking that lovely small sheep farm that was across the street).

Morning Prayer to Rhiannon

The first words I say

in the morning when I rise:

May Rhiannon's steeds be about my family.

I shall wear my Queen's

protection; She hears my cries.

I fear no evils when Her strong shields surround me.

I shall arm myself

splendidly with Her wisdom,

Her golden radiance will pour forth like honey.

I journey Her path,

Feel Her call in my bosom,

I follow the way She illumines before me.

I have set my mind

and intent on Her graces.

I will honor Her with my every act and breath.

Her birds' sweet singing

will wrap me in embraces

of melodious peace when my eyes close in death.

Sovereignty's saddle

borne on Her back alone,

with easy gait rides the Shining Jewel of my sky.

Rose and the apple,

Great Mother's love is Her throne.

Crown of Winter, Her shining hope lifts my heart high.

--by Jenny Brown, inspired by: "The First Word I Say" from the Black Book of Carmarthen as translated by Owen Davies in "Celtic Christianity in Early Medieval Wales" (1996). University of Wales Press, Cardiff.