the many-breasted ones are here in droves
from Rome comes Lupa in company
with harpies griffins and Egyptian phoenix
they howl and call like a rabble of banshees
from Ephesus Diana her many breasts
sweet as mangoes as the ancient Tamil
poets would say
Livia welcomes them provides spritz
Aperol or Campari she asks
introduces them to a group of dust-red women
their breasts painted up
the women invite the old ones to dance with them
their easy shuffle raises the dust of the piazza
they dance to the sound of an ancient drone
and rising voices
look it’s Psappha and her thiasos
come to join the dance their tender feet
continuing though no sweet meadow
of pale summer grass here
there’s a vibration in the air rarely felt these past
six thousand years
The poem is forthcoming in my collection Lupa and Lamb to be published in September 2014 by Spinifex. For more, see my blog at http://susanslambdawolfblog.blogspot.com.au/
Read Meet Mago Contributor Susan Hawthorne.
I have been enamoured of the Artemis of Efes ever since seeing her, and visiting the temple to Diana nearby. The ruined amphitheater and Celsius Library were impressive. This visit was one of the great experiences of my life. Thank you for reminding me, and for bringing together in your poem the variety of manifestations of this Goddess.
Reblogged this on She Who Is.
please let us know when the book is available – well done poem! Jayne 4 http://www.womensheritageproject.ning.com