Moth Maiden

a poem written to honor the Sacred Datura and the moth that pollinates the flowers

                                    “Sacred datura leaves, sacred datura leaves,
                                     eating your greens intoxicates me,
                                     making me stagger, dizzily leap.
                                     Datura blossoms, datura blossoms,
                                     drinking your nectar intoxicates me,
                                     making me stagger, dizzily leap.”
 
 

                                      -Translation of O’Odham poem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Feast on deadly leaves 
  Intoxicated and dizzy 
  I become the midnight walker 
  evolving 
  mutating 

  I put on the green cloak 
  paint white squares on my skin 
  walk with many feet 

  Crawl into the dark cavern 
  sleep for ages with the ancestors 
  beyond the realm of the living 
  listen to the ancient songs 

  When I awaken I am a stranger in my own skin 
  a moth emerging from slumber 
  I fly in search of the Sacred White Flower 
  drink the nectar 
  fly on hummingbird wings

 

Author's Note

Image from Pottery Mound mural, modifed with Paint.NET

Reviews

This is so amazing. The way things can change, can get poisoned, drugged, and make each moment as a walking painting... even through the deepest roots, has always moved me... as your poem is brilliant, you translate it here as perfection, like the image too~

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I always love your dedication to nature and respect of how it teaches us when we are in tune with it. An absolutely wonderful piece... again.

[Ed Hart]

oh mystical girl, more magical than anything you write

[Coyote Poetry]

Strong and amazing use of words allow me to have a good vision with your words. I like the artwork. Would be nice to be able to rebirth and fly on a hummingbird wing. Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Jibey]

A lovely picture of the wonder of this sacred ritual, in which you partake of Nature's moment of fusion and conception... an image of the sacred flower whose nectar always delights...