Medusa's Pain

 

by

M.L. Pennington

 

 

A childhood of joy,
laughter ringing in my ears.
A family, a home,
hope for my future
My memories, my pain.

 

I grew to woman beneath Athena’s golden smile.
My love of her, all consuming.
Sheppard to her faithful,
I led Athens to know her greatness.
My Goddess, my glory.

 

He came, accepting no refusal.
Taking with him my honor, my family, my temple.
My purity destroyed,
as Poseidon defiled Athena’s marble floor.
My temple, my dishonor.

 

My Goddess’ shining love turned to burning fury.
Her hatred transforming me through searing pain.
My body made anew,
a monstrous creation of a God’s imagination.
My body, my enemy.

 

I beheld the angry faces of my people,
and watched the hatred transform to panic.
Their terror engraved
in the stone they became.
My power, my curse.

 

I found my sanctuary,
a stone prison along a rocky cliff.
The town below trembles in awe and fear.
Their tributes line my open cell door.
My safety, my imprisonment.

They come for me,
soldier, warrior, pauper, or prince.
Each seeking the fame that comes with
the removal of my head.
My body, their prize.

 

I defeat them all.
Their stone remains decorate my temple,
an eternal reminder of their trespasses.
Their intrusion on the life I have made.
My solace, my rage.

 

He comes for me
the one I cannot defeat.
With the help of the Gods
the end is already written.
My nemesis, my savior.

 

She calls me back,
welcoming me into the fold.
My head a warning to whom
would transgress against her.
My death, my release.

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WillyCon XIII (2011) Poetry Contest - 1st place for Adult Category