Ċetta ta’ Boqboq Loses Her Head
Ċetta ta’ Boqboq lived in a rather large cave situated almost in the center of what is now Misraħ Lewża, where today you’ll find a small garden. Not many dared to knock on Ċetta’s door — with her imposing stature, she was neither afraid of anyone nor shy about speaking her mind.
There are many stories and legends about Ċetta, for she never let anything slide. One evening, well after sunset, Ċetta heard the sound of footsteps approaching from the nearby field.
Silently and cautiously, Ċetta crept out and hid under a carob tree nearby. Concealed in the darkness, she waited to see who this stranger might be. She had a large tree branch in hand, ready to deal with whoever was approaching her cave.
After a short while, under the dim moonlight, she saw the shadow of a person coming closer. As soon as they were within reach, Ċetta struck them with her branch.
“Ow! Ċetta, it’s me — Duminku tal-Muxa! Oh dear, have mercy!”
Recognizing his voice, Ċetta stepped back. “What are you doing here at this hour, Dumink?”
“I heard someone say a thief was seen heading in this direction,” he replied, “and that he had a sack on his head bigger than a walnut — I had to check it out…”
Ċetta and the Midnight Scare
In a cave so wide and round,
Near a leafy garden ground,
Lived brave Ċetta, strong and tall,
Not afraid of things at all.
Every night, she’d lock her gate,
Cook her stew, and never wait
For someone knocking late at night—
That would give her quite a fright!
One dark eve, without a peep,
She heard footsteps — not from sheep!
Tiptoe, tiptoe, through the field,
With a stick, her hand she steeled.
Hiding near a carob tree,
She said, “Let’s see who this might be…”
Out came someone, tall and slow,
And Ċetta gave a mighty blow!
“OWW!” they shouted. “Cetta, no!
It’s me, Duminku! Go slow!”
She blinked and saw his worried face,
“Oh Dumink! You gave ME a race!”
He laughed and said, “I came to spy,
A robber might be creeping by!
But it seems I found instead—
A friend who almost whacked my head!”
Now kids, the lesson here is clear:
Always look before you fear!
And if you walk when night is deep,
Tell brave Ċetta — or just stay asleep!
