The Odyssey Redux - Part Iv - Helios To Ithaca

So once again, with grim countenance, the ship sailed on with all bemoaning their woes Till calm seas prevailed, with balmy sun, sweet zephyr song, they came to Helios' shores. Helios, calm god of the day, smiled upon the lads, gave of his land free rein, but with a caveat- Helios pride was his golden herd, indolent and fat,"Do what you will, but don't touch that" Well, as was their wont, like a terrible refrain, full-weathered from woes and want, but yet unwise, The crew, overcome by gluttonous greed, slaughtered a heifer, for raucous feast, not sacrifice. Wild was Helios at this blatant deceit, with terrible curse, banished them all, to wander once again. So with Helios' curse (and Neptune's help), the ship was tossed and soon lost, all crew were slain. It was Odysseus alone who was alive, afloat on flotsam, floating about, with fervent wish of death But sweet surcease was not his lot, more plight was his fate - his tryst was due with Charybdis yet. Perhaps Scylla was a better bet, in it's slavering jaws a definite death, I think he'd rather have it But caught he was in Charybdis' thrall, a vortex which ate him whole, and threw him out as spit. Past the maelstrom's outer whirl was our hero tossed clinging to life's last hope, verily a straw Floated, the wasted carricature of a man, denied of food and water, no sustenance he could draw. But perchance the Gods smiled on him, wearied of their devious, puerile games going too long Odysseus fell on land once more, where restored were life and limb, bewitched by Calypso's song. Now Odysseus, all said and done, was a man vulnerable to worldly women's wanton wiles And Calypso was full besot with our hero's lusty frame, his wit, his deeds and charming smiles. For seven years did he taste bliss, ensconced in Calypso's arms with thought of home amiss But one day, after seven years, did Caypso, with heavy heart, let him go on pleas of our Hermes. From Calypso's isle did Odysseus sail on raft, through storm, as was now his habit, and came to Sceria Where Nausicca, on Athena's urge, gave succor, till he sailed with Phaecians who had trade with Sumeria The Phaecian ships soon landed Odysseus on fair Ithacan shores where Penelope had travail, But my dear laddies, I must hie hence, for the Dawn is nigh, of Penelope and Suitors, is another tale. Concluded