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The Colours of Mythology 2

Part 2: Letters J-R

By Isla GriswaldPublished 2 years ago 2 min read
3
The Colours of Mythology 2
Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash

Jauntily throwing a punch at his comrade-in-arms,

Achilles unwittingly sends him to his death.

Swift, merciless arrows and flashing swords

Pierce the brave warrior in his friend’s armor.

Entering Achilles’ tent, and bracing himself for the oncoming rage,

Reluctantly the messenger delivers the fatal news.

*-*-*

Keeling over his father’s chariot, Phaethon hurtles

Ogling still the sun beyond his brash, arrogant reach.

Boyish desires drove him to his demise

Instead of beyond the stars as he devised.

*-*-*

Looping their arms and shedding mortal forms,

Intricate variations the three Graces dance,

Lightheartedly weaving around each other

As the stars dance in the sky or the fish in their pod.

Cursed be any man who dares to gaze too long.

*-*-*

Marching to her husband’s chambers, Hera trembles,

And anger threads itself through her divine form.

Harkening to her steps, Zeus arms himself with lightning

Or thunder, whichever bolt is closest to his throne.

Glittering eyes, two deep pools of envy and hatred,

Aggressively search Zeus’s concerned but shameless face.

Never finding the remorse she seeks in her husband’s glare,

Yet again the goddess retires, vengeance brewing in her breast.

*-*-*

Nigh impossible to free Prometheus from his bloodied chains;

Incising his flesh birds of prey search for a treat.

Creeping towards the miserable sight, Hercules,

Knife in hand, guts the screeching birds.

Encircling the chains around his brawny arms and

Lunging away from the cliff face, he frees the imprisoned god.

*-*-*

Onlookers grieve for the young widow draped in black,

Not knowing her husband planned to cheat death.

Yelping at the disgrace, Hades sends the man back.

Xanthic Cerberus growls as the soul gleefully departs.

*-*-*

Prickly pears, purple pomegranates, plump pumpkins

Lend their opulence to the goddess of the garden.

Unraveled locks kissed by the sun frame her rosy cheeks;

Misty blue eyes laugh joyfully at nature’s bounty.

*-*-*

Quickly, quickly, bar the gates and bury the gold!

Ugly Famine, Pestilence, and War ride behind their leader.

Ares, ever thirsting for blood, draws near.

Resist the bloodlust, defend the peace at all costs.

Turn your gaze towards the heavens, pray to the gods.

Zealous, fervent faith may yet save the city.

*-*-*

Raw heartbreak streaks across Menelaus’ weathered face

Upon hearing of his wife Helen’s betrayal.

Beyond thought, beyond reason, he rushes to his ships,

Yielding to the rage that consumes him.

*-*-*

If you liked this poem, you may enjoy also The Hectorean or Hey! Give Me Some Attention! Alternatively, check out my profile to browse my stories in other genres and follow me on Facebook to get updates on new stories. Thanks for reading!

nature poetry
3

About the Creator

Isla Griswald

I am, and always have been, obsessed with names, swords, and everything relating to ancient Greece and Rome.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new stories, links to stories I've enjoyed, and sneak peeks into my life!

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

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Comments (2)

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  • Veronica Coldironabout a year ago

    I love the way these poems go together to paint such a beautiful picture!

  • Bri Craig2 years ago

    Love your use of alliteration in "Prickly pears, purple pomegranates, plump pumpkins!" This was such a cool concept, with great execution!

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