Lessons In Comfort From The Greek Goddesses

Just as Artemis lowers her bow at the end of a day,

Succumbing to Selene’s hazy white glow as she raises her sphere into the sky,

I, too, must settle into the fate of the night.

Accepting the retreat of Helios and preparing for the emergence of all that comes after.

Selene’s beacon of haze:

A symbol for some to close their eyes and allow the Oneiroi to construct a new world of dreams,

For others a sign that the beasts and demons of the night are free to run rampant,

And for the rest of us, a subtle reminder of the comfort that night brings.

As Selene releases the beasts and demons of the night.

The beasts which run rampant alongside Mania and Eris,

Aiming to take advantage of those most vulnerable,

There are those of us raising the shield Athena granted us in the form of little gestures.

Despite her beasts, with Selene comes Achelois,

Who engulfs those of us wielding our shields in her flowing gown

Allowing release from the chains of our pains and sorrows.

Making room for peace to flourish in the same way her Primrose and Datura have every night before.

With Achelois comes a nod from Elpis as she promises a brighter tomorrow,

Waving a hand to the Fates who derailed me thus far,

Ensuring that Clotho and Lachesis will realign my thread.

I lower my shield as tensions begin to ease.

When, with a spiraling clatter, the shield finally falls.

My grip has loosened; My fears and pains have been consoled.

Harmonia brings a dagger forth, plunging it into Eris’ chest.

For the day's end and welcome of darkness brings an irreplicable sense of comfort.