A JEREMIAD FOR THE PAGANS OF ALBION

This is a series of nine poems written to celebrate the Pagan year,
both reminding us of our roots and bringing our attention to the importance of a closer relationship
with the natural world.
It's also my modest attempt to debunk some of our modern preconceptions.

When I was small I used to imagine that the whole country was covered in thick dark forest ,
(I think my dad might have placed the idea in my head),
where all manner of creatures and dangers lurked in the darkness.

The forest was filled with isolated clearings where small villages of simple thatched huts
were set out in circles with a big fire in the middle. Sometimes people would travel through the forest
to visit other villages.
Some returned and some didn’t.

It was an exciting and dangerous world with some measure of safety to be found in the village.
A place you had to leave to travel and hunt.

Now as populations grow we need to become more mindful as regards conservation and pollution.
There’s still plenty to go round, if people share fairly and act responsibly.

When I see how badly we are managing our home I feel equal parts of anger and shame.
Seeing all the plastic in Blue Planet 11 and how we are affecting the lives of the animals and plants,
that we share this planet with, I feel nothing but despair.

What is wrong with us. Are we nothing but parasites in this beautiful place?
We have The intelligence and technology to do things so differently.

I feel we should never forget our past and strive to create a life that's simple and proportionate.
Let’s still enjoy what we have while we have it, but not forget our children and their future.

However we should, also, never underestimate the realities of living close to the land. 
It was tough, difficult and dangerous in those times.

The pain and suffering, the hunger and the hardships, are sometimes overwritten by histories
touched by the broad strokes of nostalgia’s brush.

That doesn't mean we can't blend technology with a more conscious way
of living our lives thus creating an improved future.

Finally I think we should all return to celebrating our seasons. It’s good to celebrate.

PROLOGUE - The Pagan year.

YULE           Winter Solstice

IMBOLC   ( Candle Mass) A Fire Festival

OSTRA         Spring Equinox

BELTANE  (Walpurgis)     A Fire Festival

LITHA         Summer Solstice

LUGHNASSA  ( Lammas)      A Fire Festival

MABON        Autumn Equinox

SAMHAIN   (Hallows Eve)    A Fire Festival

©️david Fry 26th July2018