They went to the forest these young men hearts a blaze of seasons need The search was long and as the noon sun rose in the sky on every forehead sweat did bead. The perfect one must be found and every man searched round and round. Then at last a shout they heard form high upon the hill as they reached that spot it gave the men a thrill the object of their search stood tall and proud the branches of the mighty oak did beckon and call "I’m the one who’s willing to fall " . With axe in hand they went to work and soon they heard a mighty crack and the ground did jerk as to earth the proud oak fell and the hills did echo all went well. They trimmed the branches each in turn, for Beltane night their hearts did yearn . Back to the village they carried the prize and as they marched down the village square every window shade did rise and women blushed with excitement for the this night. Hair and robes were done up right for the dance would soon begin. The ancient battle for , power which sex would win . The women had dug the spot to plant the prize and guard it they would till just the right time. Feast prepared and bodies bathed the night air inviting one and all to the ritual hall , the candles were lit and the words were spoken the deities invited to this night. The bale fires lit upon the hill the cattle and people with seeds in hand walked through with hope and joy and anticipation for the coming fertile times and then the cry went up from the village square as the maidens called out their warning for the pole to come no closer, the men pressed on their need was great and no longer would they wait they set the pole and grabbed a ribbon as the women did the same . They skipped and danced around the pole their bodies touching now and then a look exchanged a promise given two by two they wandered off and soft sounds of pleasure filled the night as couples claimed their Beltane delight. The Maypole stood straight , strong and proud and listened to the sound as the young bodies went to ground.