Haibun, Poem

Being Sicilian: A Haibun

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt
#440 where we’re asked to be creative in exactly
97 words using the word ‘heritage’. Here’s my take.

© Siciliani creativi in cucina

The scent of basil and tomatoes fills my kitchen, a tribute to my Sicilian heritage, an homage to my ancestors, who toiled in the sun-drenched fields of our homeland. Their resilience and passion flow through my veins. As I sip my sweet Marsala, I feel a deep connection to the land that has defined us for centuries. My pride in my Sicilian roots is unwavering, a beacon that guides me through life’s challenges. In every gesture, every flavor, I strive to honor the legacy of those who came before me.

Olive trees whisper 
Sicilian flavors blooming 
Heritage espoused


NAR©2025
97 Words

Nancy’s Notes: “Lu cielu è nà cuperta” (“The sky is a blanket”) is a traditional Sicilian folk song often considered a children’s lullaby or a work song (farmers, fisherman, etc.) with simple, evocative lyrics that connect daily life to nature. The central theme revolves around the end of a day’s labor and the coming of rest, often including the imagery of the sun and sky. As you listen to the song, you will realize the words are different from Italian. That’s because they are not Italian! This is Sicilianu, the language of Sicily. There are many different dialects within Sicilianu but there is one thing many people don’t know: Sicilianu is not a dialect of Italian; it is a distinct and separate language.


This is “Lu cielu è nà cuperta” by Gian Campione

Weekend Writing Prompt #440 – Heritage

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶 and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

35 thoughts on “Being Sicilian: A Haibun”

  7. Fabulous post all around, Nancy! 💖 Your Sicilian heritage shines through. 🍷 I did not realize that Sicilianu is a distinct language rather than a dialect. I suppose the same could be said for Barese, my husband’s mother tongue. It sure doesn’t sound anything like Italian. 😄

    Bonu giornu! 🥂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

        1. I was actually referring to members of my family. The older ones are all gone and the younger cousins never learned to speak Italian or Sicilian. I have a cousin in Sicily I used to communicate with on a weekly basis but he’s older and has had some health issues recently and doesn’t write as much now

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  9. A lovely folk song/lullaby, Nancy, I’m listening to it as I’m typing, …(if hitting each letter with a stylus can be described as typing!!) …and on closing my eyes I’m able to imagine the aroma, warmth, love, …and can understand your sheer depth of pride in your heritage, … hugs, my friend, …💙

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to newepicauthor Cancel reply