The Charge of John Barleycorn 
(as he prepares to be sacrificed yet again).
by Mark

From the moment I emerged in this world,
My mother nurtured me,
My father beamed at me.
I was loved
Their warmth embraced me, again and again

Early in my life, I experienced the rain,
Cool, soaking, loving, life giving rain
The drops massaged the land, while I stood proud.
I was loved
Dancing in the rain, again and again.

Like a tease I felt a cool, soft embrace,
The hand of my lover caressed me
And I gently moved in the embrace
I was loved.
Swaying with my love again and again

Growing in the sun and warmth,
Changing, as the world around me changed
Maturing in the summer
I was loved
Glorious days reigned again and again

I watched the darkness come to the land
My Father aged and wounded
My lover with a stinging caress
I was loved
But doubt filled the land again and again

As I grew to my upmost height,
My bounty rich, full of my loved might
I was cut down, as it is my duty
I was loved,
To rise again, again and again.