The Beltane King Poem by Penni Currie

'Lay down my Lord, give me your staff
your rod, your life'
'But nay, I will give you my body
but my life I keep for myself.
Free I roam, these woods my home
your arms maychance a prison would be.
You see, I enjoy this life
Rutting here and there. Pan calls on me
but first I give you my seed.'
'That is not all I need,
come with me, stay,
as King take your rightful place.
Leave behind the chase.
Lay in my arms.
Let me be your wife, your life,
I provide the sustenance you need, take heed'
'But alas, I cannot. I'm too free, you see.
I am not yet man enough.
The child in me still shows,
even as the child in you grows.'
'Upon your head i'll set this crown,
these kingly robes of red and green.
The Wheel ever turning, on it is seen;
Your blood on the corn.'
'For this I was born.
If this be my fate, then this be my will.
Come down, I accept the crown! '

April 1992