NINE WOODS
Nine woods make up our Beltane wreath
symbolic trees, above, beneath.
They come together, intertwine,
male and female domains combine.
With grace birch leaves ripple in the breeze
the May-born goddess showing the way
as the strong majestic mighty oak
slowly unfurls his delicate green
belying well the power therein.
At the gateway rowan, guardian,
lets her magic keep safe those inside,
charmed protection from evil without.
Hawthorne attracts fairies; blossoms white
become their posies, lover's bouquets
whose bodies entwine under the May.
Love is the gift of apple, young bud
open, receptive to potential,
precursor to the blessing of fruit.
Vigorous vine rambles sky and soil,
such exuberance emitting joy!
Wisdom comes from hazel's long season:
catkins at Imbolc, cobnuts, Samhain.
Willow celebrates death, one phase
closing, and another beginning.
Finally fir reminds us of rebirth,
the fragrance of our presence lasting
long after our moments of contact.
These nine woods, blossoms, flowers fine
sing Beltane's song of powers nine
thus weave a basket to contain
all May Eve's love which will remain.
Kaaren Whitney
Beltane 2006
