Grey-haired pilgrims
we take the cable car
up the dragon-backed mountain
to the Black Madonna
the Virgin of Montserrat
Her tale
as old priests tell it
is that she was found in a cave
in the year 890
by shepherds led by angels
just in time to help
in the war against Islam
Her tale
as wise women tell it
is that
she is the old earth goddess
black as soil
as compost
black as the womb of the world
revered by countryfolk
since ancient days
She seems a nice lady
but a bit glum
weighed down I guess
by our tedious complaints
our petty woes
outrageous demands
self-interested wishes
I’d like to take her out
for a breath of fresh air
a dip in a stream
a dance on a mountaintop
a glass of cold wine
a feast of barley cakes
a ride
on my broom
Read Meet Mago Contributor Eileen Haley.