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| Chelsea's body painting depicting the African Mythological Goddess, Yemaya and Oshun, (some sites say they are one, others sisters) |
Of rivers and streams
and salt licked waves,
a venus in yellow-gold silk,
of peacock feathers, of cinnamon,
and seaside cowrie shells.
Of lakes and seas
and moonlit crescent nights,
an ocean mother of peaceful blues 'n whites,
of butterfly wings, loves and dreams,
and sprinkled pumpkin seeds.
Voices chant on sand and rocky shore,
passionately persuade, fiercely protect,
of incense and perfume,
Oshun & Yemaya; Goddesses
stirring Africa's life-giving waters.
by Margaret Bednar, January 15, 2020 (revised "Two Voices" March 8, 2013)
My interpretation of Oshun and Yemaya is both are Orishas (Gods of Santeria of which there are many - Yemaya being the older sister of Oshun. Many sites, many different versions. The above poem is a reworking of a poem I wrote in 2013. HERE is a site that explains a bit about them.
This is linked with "Poets and Storytellers United - Weekly Scribblings #2: Myth-placed"
Intriguing
ReplyDeleteMuch✏love
Beautiful poem
ReplyDeleteI love the ‘salt licked waves’ and ‘moonlit crescent nights’. Thank you for introducing me to Oshun & Yemaya, Margaret.
ReplyDeleteYour poem conveys a wonderful understanding of the myth - wrapped up with some stunning imagery
ReplyDeleteThis is beyond beautiful!💝 I especially love; "an ocean mother of peaceful blues 'n whites, of butterfly wings, loves and dreams, and sprinkled pumpkin seeds." Thank you so much for introducing us to Oshun and Yemaya.
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ReplyDeleteVery intriguing reading for me, Margaret. I was completely ignorant of this particular cult though it is typical of the human race's quest and solution finding for our existence and behavior. Thank you. For me your summation. "Voices chant on sand and rocky shore,
ReplyDeletepassionately persuade, fiercely protect,
of incense and perfume,.."
..
Oh, this is so beautiful. Love the photo!
ReplyDeleteI’ve always had a fondness for the Orishas, especially Oshun. Have not come across the idea that she and Yemaya are one, but then I am no scholar in this lore. I love your poem about them as sisters; beautifully and joyously described.
ReplyDeletePS Oh, how could I go without commenting what a fabulously wonderful image Chelsea has created!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see the Orishas getting their due. I'd love to see more things written about them
ReplyDeleteI love this poetic chant. I can imagine it being read by the sea, with a orchestra of waves accompanying the words.
ReplyDeleteAn exciting tale, with a stunning painting.
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