The Mythology of Homeless Children

Apparently homeless children across the country have developed a complex mythology. Here is a taste of what some believe, from an article in the Miami New Times by Lynda Edwards (via Monkey Filter):

On Christmas night a year ago, God fled Heaven to escape an audacious demon attack -- a celestial Tet Offensive. The demons smashed to dust his palace of beautiful blue-moon marble. TV news kept it secret, but homeless children in shelters across the country report being awakened from troubled sleep and alerted by dead relatives. No one knows why God has never reappeared, leaving his stunned angels to defend his earthly estate against assaults from Hell. "Demons found doors to our world," adds eight-year-old Miguel, who sits before Andre with the other children at the Salvation Army shelter. The demons' gateways from Hell include abandoned refrigerators, mirrors, Ghost Town (the nickname shelter children have for a cemetery somewhere in Dade County), and Jeep Cherokees with "black windows." The demons are nourished by dark human emotions: jealousy, hate, fear.

One demon is feared even by Satan. In Miami shelters, children know her by two names: Bloody Mary and La Llorona (the Crying Woman). She weeps blood or black tears from ghoulish empty sockets and feeds on children's terror. When a child is killed accidentally in gang crossfire or is murdered, she croons with joy. "If you wake at night and see her," a ten-year-old says softly, "her clothes be blowing back, even in a room where there is no wind. And you know she's marked you for killing."

This article was originally published in 1997. It would be interesting to find out how the myths have developed since then.

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

I first came across this article a couple of years ago - can't remember where. I've been holding on to it since then, since I know there's some sort of adaptation to be made of it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
My band wrote a song about this myth called Bloody Mary.
It was La Llorona, until we discovered a different but of folklore that pictures La Llorona not as an evil or vengful spirit, but just mournaful at the loss of her children.
www.myspace.com/undersoul
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hannah, the article seems to be based on interviews conducted throughout Dade county, although the author suggests that these stories are more widespread. The way she explains it, these are mythologies in the making, passed from child to child in the form of stories.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"The Mythology of Homeless Children"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More