Hubris

Artist: Cheryl Nelson Kellar
Used with permission

Daedalus, on these wings you wrought,
I dare take flight, rising as though spirit-borne,
but no. The power within it is
that lifts me closer to Apollo, closer to the gods
than I, mere man, should dare aspire.

Hold close your human lot, my son,
for surely, though you may transcend
the earth, your soul still lingers
in the Labyrinth of pride,
let not this lifting dupe you.

Oh, father, know you not
this gift you fashioned,
made for flight, for freedom, for escape?
Through this I shall embrace the sun,
for this you brought me forth,
you formed these wings.

It’s true—this is my offering,
so that you may ascend to liberty
through choices etched in wisdom.
Do not aspire too high; accept
your truth and linger close to me,
lowly though it may now seem to you.

The fire calls to me, enticing.

Thus, I go.

And thus, you die.

Written to a prompt offered by Grace at dVerse Poetics in which we may use the beautiful art of Cheryl Nelson Kellar. For a wonderful experience, visit her website and browse her work. And even better, choose one of her painting to inspire your own poem and bring it to dVerse.

Monday Morning Writing Prompt–Mythology

Image by junibears via Flickr

From the earliest times and across cultures we had storytellers…often held in high esteem. Spoken at first, then etched in caves and finally put into written text, our stories or myths have sought to delve into the deepest mysteries: How did we get here? Who made us? Why are we here? What is the purpose of our existence?

Over the ages, our myths gave form to cultural beliefs and sometimes evolved into religions. What is sacred truth to me may be myth to you, and vice versa yet somehow we are alike in our quest for the absolute.

Comparisons of our stories show amazing similarities across cultures. Parallels in creation stories, flood myths and many others seem to live in our DNA, or, as Jung would say, in the Collective Unconscious.

For today’s prompt, let’s write–in poetry or prose–about a myth that resonates for you. You may want to include a brief process note, to share the bare bones of the story you are re-telling.

When you have posted your work, copy and paste the link to your site in Mr. Linky, then spend a few moments reading others’ works. And let’s not forget to honor and enjoy one another’s Sacred Point of View. I hope you enjoy this prompt and perhaps learn more about our stories.

a taste of earth–dVerse Open Link Night

Image by Mrs Magic via Flickr

a taste of earth

before time
in the realm of golden crow
and swan
sun and pearl moon conjoined
begetting earth.

from distant mountain heights
a goddess and her sisters watched
and saw that it was very, very good.

thus to the land they leapt
drawn by sweet smell of soil
drawn into earth’s desire

within her hands Au Co,
the youngest of the brood,
cradled damp pungent clay
held it against her cheek
then tasted.

and so weighed down
by sand (or guilt)
no longer fit for flight
she wept upon the loam
held back now from her home
heaven of pure form

she cried her tears of loss
earth-bound goddess now

those tears became the rivers
flowing to the seas
spreading floral beauty to the shores
gracing oceans deep with her sweet water.

then from the depths emerged
a dragon prince who sought
this source of pure abundance
and thus it is that we are born
part dragon of the shadowy deep
part goddess of the mountain peak.

Based on the Vietnamese myth of the goddess Au Co.

Linked to dVerse Poets’ Pub Open Link Night at http://dversepoets.com/  Come on and belly up to the bar, have a shot and enjoy some inspiring poetry.

Crynkovic Yugoslavian–Open Link Night at dVerse Poets’ Pub

Image by arbyreed via Flickr

Crynkovic Yugoslavian

Voluptuous Earth Goddess,
bearer of sacred promise,
fruitful Mother,
we savor your delight.

Misinformed misogynist,
the patriarchal Hesiod,
knew not the taste of pleasure
nor the scent of paradise.

Photo: V. Slotto

The Crynkovic Yugoslavian is a variety of heirloom tomatoes whose seed originated in (you guessed it) Yugoslavia. When my gardener-husband harvested this one last evening it brought to mind early goddess images, most often depicted as curvaceous figures without distinct features. If you’ve never enjoyed heirloom tomatoes, you’ve missed a truly divine experience.

Hesiod’s work on mythology downplays the role of feminine deities.

Wordsmith Wednesday–12 Sources of Poetic Inspiration

Image via Wikipedia

Today I’ve been considering the sources we poets turn to for poetic inspiration–so today’s Wordsmith Wednesday is for poets although I’m sure that it can be useful to prose writers as well. I’m going to short-list some of the sources I turn to to be inspired in my writing. I’m hoping that you will add to it in the comments section.

• Nature–look for details, metaphors, lessons that are present all around us. When stuck, it often helps me to take a walk. I’m blessed to live in a place that is replete with nature’s offerings.
• Reading–read other poets. Their work often tickles my creative muse. I’ve mentioned some of my favorites in my list of recommended reading.
• News sources–look for the seeds of story-poems hidden in the newspaper, on the Internet or on TV news broadcast.
• Poetic Forms–do an Internet search and check out poetic forms. For me, the discipline of a form can jump-start and idea.
• Spirituality–look to metaphysical/religious ideas and writings such as the Bible or holy books of other spiritual traditions. Look within at your own spiritual experience.
• Relationships–these evoke emotional reactions that are often begging to be expressed.
• History–check out historical events as well as your own history. There are stories to tell.
• Mythology–although this is not an area of expertise for me, I’ve read much poetry that draws on the classical myths, stories that transcend time.
• Science–a wonderful well-spring of poetic inspiration.
• Art–Use painting, sculpture, photography and translate your experience into words.
• Writing Prompts–those of us who participate in writing communities have a wealth of material tossed out at us on a daily or weekly basis. Check out some of the sites on my blogroll. I’d love to see you link up to my own Monday Morning Writing Prompt.
• Political issues–need I say more? My personal viewpoint is to stay away from personal attacks and stick to the issues.

I hope these will be helpful to you, especially if you are feeling stuck right now. There are more–help me expand the list if you will!