Gabriella Chieffo Italy Maisia

Drops of blood and sweat are beading on my forehead now that the moment has arrived. A drop of wisdom that became a sin. Drops of love, those you left on my body disposed of in abandonment. I close my eyes so as not to see their faces, distorted by the savage pleasure found in the ritual of atonement. Maisìa! They shout as I pass, for using an ancient spell and summoning love. Bewitched hearts, they say. Yet my teardrops only fall for one heart, while the pyre blazes and my fury flares up. Only to one heart, I gave my soul, yes, damned, but damned by love. Spit on me, laugh at me, brand me with fire like an innocent animal and tear my whore clothes. Maisìa! They shout to exorcize the demonic power of my beauty. Deceived, I do not know any potions or spells to soothe my pain, nor any to pierce the darkness inside you. And while my strength abandons me and the flames envelop me I dedicate a cursed thought to all of you and to him, in the crowd, a breath of love.