A Name and a Blessing

I raise you my just born daughter 
to the Father of All Lights. 
He has set a flame in you; 
this fire connects you to the trees 
the earth and creeping things. 

I have no witness; 
The men have not yet blessed you. 
I only hold you to my breast 
and feel the pulse of something 
stronger than milk, 
liquid like a surge of power; 
warm like the nape of your neck. 

Love this your body; 
it will hold another body 
and that body, another, like nesting dolls 
held together with one strong cord. 
Love female; it is fire, warmth, food, 
the power to destroy or the power to make pure. 

Live close to the moon that rules your tides
Close to the burning stars, 
Close to the Son who knows 
your flame is brighter against the night. 
Listen. He will call you by your name. 
He will sanctify this legacy of fire, 
Sealed with the authority of blood.