(art Brigid Ashwood www.elfwood.

com)

Oak and Holly King at Yule By Nancy Venus Oak King Said unto Holly King: For I am Young and you are old All my stories are not yet told Your Throne I claim, and I shall reign Until it is darkest night again. Holly King said unto Oak King: For I am old, and you are young All my songs they have been sung. Wait until the Child of Light Grows to longest day, and shortest night Then your throne I'll take away, and For six months I will stay. The battle was both short and fierce The Holly King his heart was pierced By the Oak kings mighty blade Upon the ground his body laid But, gentle folk be not dismayed For Oak King brings us For what we have prayed As for the fate of Holly king, The Holly King is deep at rest Deep inside Arianrhod's breast Do not fear For someday the wren will joyfully sing, Holly King will return with Rest to bring For he will reign again in the time past spring.