Gillian Allnutt's poem transforms the figure of Arachne, once a mere mortal who challenged the goddess Minerva, into Arachnid, a symbol of motherhood and creativity. In this portrayal, Arachne's legacy reflects a nurturing presence that is both powerful and humble. The poem emphasizes the enduring connection to this maternal figure, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the sacredness of creativity through the metaphor of the spider's web. The poem's narrative intertwines with Ovid's classic telling, offering a modern interpretation of Arachne's myth.
In this week's poem, from Gillian Allnutt's new collection, Lode, Arachne becomes Arachnid, mother-spider and deified leader of her tribe, offering gratitude to her for their being.
Nothing can cut the umbilical cord that calls us back to her, her bellyful of thread paid out and yet perpetual, her silken sac where we began.
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