We have made it to day two of poem a day month and I usually do really good for the first half of the month and then lose steam, but I’m really going to stick with it this year. The garden chores often lure me away and the nice weather calls me outside. But here in NY it is supposed to rain almost until the end of April, so that should divert me to poems if I am stuck inside.
Today’s goddess is really an Italian witch! She is known as La Befana or Befana and has many origins and stories around her. The book I am using told a story that is a different version of her than the internet, so I will combine them for the extra history, but also for poem ideas.
Befana: per the book she is an Italian folk legend, a lady of the 12th night, which required people to create images or effigies of an old woman made of rags that was hung outside the door of the home to witness winter’s passing. On the internet, she comes across much like a Santa Claus type. It is said that once a year she leaves her mountain cave and flies on her broom backwards to deliver good children candy and bad children coal. She also comes through the chimney and is covered in soot, but she uses her broom to clean the floor before she leaves which symbolizes making a clean space for the new year.
I think there are some great images and scenarios to use in a poem with this one so have fun with it. I think it could go playful or dark and serious depending on your mood. Have fun with it!
Be kind to each other. Sing songs. Be playful. Write. Create. Share your gifts with the world. Support small press and local artists.
Aleathia
Aleathia Drehmer 