Doing the rounds at the well

Drove out to Brigid's well at Kildare on Sunday in a soft grey drizzle, the best weather for it. Did the rounds the old way, walking sunwise and stopping at each of the stones, with a line of poetry at each one instead of the usual prayers, since that's how she and I talk.

An older woman was praying her rosary rounds right behind me. We ended up sharing a flask of tea by the stream and agreeing that Brigid has room for the both of us. Her mother first brought her there in 1961.

One small plea if you visit any holy well or rag tree: tie only strips of cotton or wool that will rot away, never ribbon or plastic. The wish is meant to fade as the cloth does.