Poetry
Lorica for Sue Hawes

Mary Bradford
Volume 23, No. 4

               Intrepid diver 
               Wry nature-lover 
               Faithful almsgiver 
               Windhover. 

We, your sisters of stone and flesh, 
Move counterclockwise and mesh 
Our healing rays with the sun's light 

May the birds of Eyeries carry this balm 
Into your heart as the calm 
Of Christ penetrates the night. 


Note: Lorica is the Irish (Celtic) word for breastplate. Used in this way, 
the breastplate is a poetic term for a poem that protects, like a prayer. 
The ancient bards said a poem for the warriors to protect them in battle. 
The Argroom Outward stone circle near Eyeries is purported to be a 
healing women's circle, where the energy goes counterclockwise.

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