When dawn rose on the twins your dance began,
an endless reel around the standing stones
where the water - bearer floats the cradle ark.

But in the trees a silent watcher stood,
envious of your power and your art.
He planned to challenge your dominion
over moon and hearth; mark and enslave you,
subject your secrets to his tyranny.

He was your lover once, partner in this rite,
other half of fate's consummation, now
he would take you for a plaything to be used.
And yet you cling to one great secret still,
one thing your master can never control
though his dark science seems to shade the sun
and hides your joy in deep shadows of guilt.

So as the balance tips, dance in the dark
and while the light is weak protect the flame
that soon must kindle the absolving fire
so temple's false deceiving walls will burn
and two that once were one are reconciled.

other poems from the series
          The Making And Unmaking Dance
          Fires of Love
          The Hounds of the Morrigan
          Solstice Fires
          Imbolc
          Good King Lud