Effigy, by Gage Michael Wheatley

The Fig Mother, by Leonora Carrington (Mexico, b. England) 1974

Effigy

The Fig Mother, always overlooked
a shade—an outline—etched on a canvas 
but never filled in

drawn first to the bird, feasting on her fruit
the snakes, tempting her branches 
the Shaman’s mask that seeks her heart
the she-wolf that suckles in her crown 

seen for her fruit only, what she can produce
the reason why she’s valued at all
ignore the figs removed from her face 
plucked out like eyes from a skull 

even as she ages
and no longer flowers
stripped, cut down, distributed— 
still providing shelter

even as she burns, she remains silent 
whispers of blue seep through the smoke 

ultimately consumed, spent 
until nothing is left

all the while content to provide warmth 
and one last hot meal for our hungry bellies

Gage Michael Wheatley 

Gage Michael Wheatley is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Bird Bath Magazine. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Classics: Archaeology and Ancient History, with a minor in Art History. Gage loves to weave mythology, art and history into his poems that often reflect deeply personal aspects of his body and/or psyche. When bored, Gage has a tendency to move furniture around his apartment, cut or dye his hair, or get a new tattoo--his partner is never too happy with any of those choices.