April rains have brought forth
rich, fertile earth
and now, on May Day,
this cross-quarter holiday
known to witches and pagans and
other nature lovers as Beltane
I am one of millions strong,
acknowledging a holy Sabbat
that celebrates sexual energy,
the proliferation of the life cycle
Taking us from Spring Equinox
to Summer Solstice with
bonfire festivals,
jumping the fire
maypole dances
singing, feasting and drinking
unions and handfasting ceremonies
making love deep into the night
hot, sweaty flesh on flesh
These are the rituals of Beltane

2010 by Janet K. Rauch

Janet K. Rauch

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/beltane-2/