A Pagan Family

My big sisters are Artemis and Athena, they guide me through the day.

Artemis lets me play with Animals, and Athena sets me right with Study.

And they get upset when I don't carry through and do what I ought to do to show,
that I care enough.

Cousins Iris and Persephone, drop in from time to time.

Iris nudges me to adventure, both within and without.

Persephone tells tales of futures not yet writ, and takes my hand when I feel lost.

Aunties Hestia and Demeter, come visit me at home.

You can tell they're sisters, sometimes they fight like cats.

Demeter sends me to the garden, Hestia to the stove.

And though sometimes I wish they didn't, hard work all,
their visits are always welcome.

Grandma Hecate seldom calls.

I visit her.

My visits are short, but always sweet.

For she knows a lot and has great wisdom.

And sometimes she gives me this too.

And though she might be old as time, she's young and free, and caring like a mother too.

Hecate, grandmother, I love you too.

But what of Mum?

Cybele oh Cybele -- great mother.

You can be cruel in order to be kind.

Create a daughter that looks like a son?
Is that your idea of having fun?

But in the end, it works
'cause on the journey, on the way
my soul I find.

And you have open arms to greet and hug me.

Mother to adopted daughter.

Allow me to cry: of pain, of sorrow, but of happiness and of joy.

For I become whole.