There’s ink on my lips, moonlight in my mirror✨
✦ “Litany for the Goddesses”
by the girl with bees in her hair and a knife in her mouth
I never prayed to gods.
They asked for obedience,
and I was born from refusal.
But the goddesses—
ah, they understood
what it meant to bleed and stay golden.
They came to me in the oven glow,
in the hiss of a match.
Morrigan in my throat.
Isis in my hips.
Freyja clawing at the back door of my breath.
They didn’t want worship.
They wanted witness.
Wanted me to look at my ruin and say:
Here. This was me. This was mine.
My altar was a hospital bed.
My incense: the sulfur of shame.
Still, they anointed me with saltwater
and braided snakes into my hair.
I named them Mother,
and meant it.
They taught me that madness
is just memory without a ritual,
and that the word witch
was never an insult
until men said it with fear.
I don’t wear pearls.
I wear teeth.
I don’t carry prayers.
I carry curses turned inside out,
like dresses I outgrew.
Let the daughters gather.
Let the moon split her lip.
Let us praise the ones who were never crowned
but carved their names into the dark.
Hecate, I see you.
Lilith, I know you.
Persephone, I followed you down
and I’m still eating pomegranate
with blood on my chin.
The poem celebrates the rich tapestry of goddess mythology and its impact on contemporary identity. Goddesses like Morrigan, Freyja, Isis, and Hecate serve as symbols of empowerment and resistance against patriarchal narratives. The text suggests that these divine figures are not only worthy of worship, but also demand to be witnessed and acknowledged. In an era where feminine voices are increasingly asserting themselves, the poem resonates with those who identify with the struggles and victories of women throughout history. The imagery of saltwater anointing and braiding snakes into hair invokes themes of healing and transformation, often associated with witchcraft and spirituality. As society continues to explore and reclaim feminine energy, such poetry encourages readers to connect deeply with their heritage and embrace practices that celebrate ancestral knowledge. The modern witch, far from being an outcast, emerges as a powerful figure, reclaiming narratives that honor her strength and wisdom. This creation serves as a reminder that cultivating a relationship with the divine, in whatever form it may take, can facilitate personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves. By forging connections with historical figures and embracing our identity, we empower ourselves and future generations to break free from societal constraints and celebrate our true selves.
Beautiful Poetry Woman!. I'll have to try and get a copy of it from you!.