POETRY
May, the Month of Desire
Fourth Wave poetry prompts for May
May is a month of transitioning, of spring graciously yielding place to summer.
“The word May is a perfumed word . . . It means youth, love, song; and all that is beautiful in life.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The first of May has, from hoary times, been celebrated as a day of ritual: Walpurgis Night in central and northern Europe, Beltane, the Gaelic Festival, the Welsh Festival of Calan Mai, and the ancient Roman Festival, Floralia.
“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
— Emily Bronte
The Greek goddess, Maia, who gave her name to May was the daughter of Atlas, and Pleione, the Oceanid. Maia has been identified with Bona Dea, the Roman-era goddess of fertility, whose festival was held in May.
“You have to remember to be thankful. But in May, one simply can’t help being thankful that they are alive, if for nothing else.” — Lucy Maud Montgomery
May is therefore, the month of plenty, of flowers and fertility, of dance and daydreams.
“Step aside to a brand new day. In the month of May, I feel I can start again. Life is feeling new. This is hope. This is love. This is where we all won. If you…
