9 May – Ode to Peppino Impastato

This is a tribute to the first Sicilian who stood up, shouted against the Mafia, and dared to make them objects of ridicule instead of fearful reverence.
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9 May is a day most Sicilians remember. On 9 May 1978 Peppino Impastato, a political activist who opposed the Mafia, was brutally killed. He was my age.

via 9 May – Ode to Peppino Impastato.


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4 Comments Add yours

  1. C Mcgregor's avatar C Mcgregor says:

    It is Mother’s Day here in Canada. Thank you for sharing this powerful expression of a mother’s voice.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Oh my goodness that poem is incredibly beautiful. Thank you for this important post. We must never forget the rare man or woman in our midst not afraid to stand up.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’m glad you liked it. I found it very moving too.
      What he did to change social attitudes to the Mafia and liberate people’s minds brought about an end to the legendary “omertà” (code of silence) and paved the way for the brave judges to condemn the Mafia to prison at last.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. T. Franke's avatar T. Franke says:

    There are some interesting videos on youtube on this.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to T. Franke Cancel reply