Beltane

the fire of green and blood

Poems written between Beltane and Litha (30 April – 20 June)

Background

Beltane: April 30 – May 1.

Beltane is the festival of life at its fullest. It marks the height of spring and the doorway into summer, when the earth is bursting with energy, growth, and fertility. It is a joyful celebration of passion, vitality, and creativity — a time when ideas and dreams can be brought into action.

Traditionally, Beltane honours the union of masculine and feminine, earth and sky, spirit and matter. It is a festival of love and abundance, where nature itself seems to be dancing with life. At its heart, Beltane is about celebrating connection — between people, with the land, and with the spark of life itself.

Ways to Celebrate Beltane

Beltane is one of the most playful and joyful festivals of the year. You can mark it in fun and meaningful ways such as:

• Light a bonfire or candle to celebrate the sun’s growing power and to welcome summer.
• Dance, sing, or make music, letting yourself join in the spirit of vitality and joy.
• Decorate a Maypole or a tree with ribbons and flowers as a symbol of growth, fertility, and connection.
• Spend time in nature, noticing the lushness and beauty of the season.
• Create flower crowns, garlands, or wreaths to wear or hang as blessings of abundance.
• Celebrate love and connection — spend time with loved ones, share laughter, and welcome new beginnings.

Beltane invites us to honour life in all its passion and vibrancy — and to have some fun along the way!

Poems

• Stodmarsh
  A Coot dives avoiding the cry of its young Sedge and Cetti warblers battle it out to see who can… Read more: Stodmarsh
• Nightjar
  Tonight I opened the sweetie jar In fading lilac light The scent of pine woods And the spread of heather… Read more: Nightjar
• Leighton Moss
  Droplets resting gently on the leaves Clinging effortlessly and twinkling in the sun Bitterns boom like a distant drum Gulls… Read more: Leighton Moss
• Stopham and Bedham
  I feel like a guest in your wood Imagining faries lying drunk on the sweet fragrance Of the bluebells carpeting… Read more: Stopham and Bedham
• Douglas boathouse
  Sleepy Loch moves gently with the tide Babbling brook flows busily by its side Swallows chatter as they dart under… Read more: Douglas boathouse
• Jubilee reflections
  Spare a thought for the England of old When summers were warm and winters were cold When we looked after… Read more: Jubilee reflections
• 15 days of lockdown 2
  “Mist charging up the valley floor Cattle grazing on the Combe Goldfinch flocking in the fading light  and a Raven… Read more: 15 days of lockdown 2
• Beltane
  On the eve of May As sunset passes And the world begins to sleep Out of her slumber Flora dances… Read more: Beltane
• May Day
  Going nowhere Paralysed by the beauty of the cliffs Skylark and linnet in competing voice Gorse and bluebells sharing space… Read more: May Day
• Migrants
  Yea you just do that Come into our country Have sex as soon as you get here Then piss off… Read more: Migrants
• D day
  What must it have been like? The waiting What must it have been like? The Knowing What must have been… Read more: D day
• Swallows
  Showing speed Sharing space Streamers Pace Grace Catching flies On the stream Between The woods And the beach They streak… Read more: Swallows
• Swim
  Just me and the lifeguards on the beach today I’m outnumbered by 2 to 1 The water is calm as… Read more: Swim
• Gower
  Stonechat perching on a bramble edge Swallows swooping all around Kestrel hunting on the clifftop ledge Goldfinch fledglings on the… Read more: Gower
• Abercastle
  Pretty pink hillside Lined with foxgloves Bumbles Hide Inside Noisy Brown Skylark In hedgerows beside They whistle tweet and rattle… Read more: Abercastle
• Wending my way
  As the gorse exfoliates my legs And the stonechat chatter overhead I wade my way through heather moor Looking for… Read more: Wending my way
• Spring walk
  I can smell the leaves perspiring And see the flowers blooming The hedgerows bright and brilliant pink The estuary shines… Read more: Spring walk
• Cornish walks
  Hidden coves and sandy beaches Benches with snippets of view Bluebell woods with floors of beech Pink campion shining through
• Ode to the English bluebell
  Sunken lanes adorned with wild garlic Banks covered in bluebells Drooping under the weight of their purple flowers Crying out… Read more: Ode to the English bluebell
• The New Forest
  The skeletons of trees Leaves rustle in the breeze Spongy beneath our feet A fairy woodland treat Dappled morning shades… Read more: The New Forest
• Poppy
  Poppy Who are you weeping for What vile bloodshed  Do you protect Who’s heart do you hold In your soft… Read more: Poppy