Daughter of the Gods

Love is blind To all the perils That lie dormant in the mind Beyond the limits of transgression. A mortal maiden golden-haired Priestess of Athena, daughter of the gods By Poseidon with persuasive honeyed words was wooed She melted in their alluring warmth and charm. With guile concealed and flattery he urged her on Her defences crumbled; the drawbridge lowered To reveal the gateway to her heart Forgotten were the vows of celibacy. Beneath his touch her senses reeled Her eyelids closed in expectation He took his chance with urgent need and greed Her virgin spoils were taken. As trembling bodies rode the waves of love and lust Tremors shook the earth, the ocean heaved; the wind enraged Swept o’er the land and lightning flashed across the sky. Such was the wrath of gods defied and disobeyed Terrible and eternal punishment they bestowed. The mortal maiden golden-haired A repulsive hideous monster she became Her fair unblemished skin gave way to loathsome green Her bloodshot eyes in terror gazed, their previous lustre gone Each lock of hair a writhing snake that hissed and spouted venom. Condemned beyond mercy she fled to distant land Where cursed and shunned she lived in great despair Turning into stone whosoever fell beneath her vengeful gaze. At last Perseus took her life. Aided by Athena’s mirrored shield His scythe tore into flesh and bone; her severed head was lifted high. Medusa’s misery and shame came to an end Death – the final liberating act.