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Charon -- the Eternal Ferryman

Charon—The Eternal Ferryman

The mythical ferryman extraordinaire of such keen gaze,
Who braves the Styx and Acheron in the deepest of haze.  

Charon is a most sordid God who relishes his work as the
“Ferryman of Hades,” carrying new souls to their oblivion.

With an obolus as payment and a flash of his fiery-fierce eyes,
Charon performs his morbid task with a frightening alacrity! 

With his winged-demon appearance and horrifying demeanor,
He terrifies all newly-deceased souls who face his vile being!

The world of the dead is the final destination for those who
Depart from the dark, dreary shores of the Styx and Acheron. 

The deft ‘n cruel skull-crushing force of Charon’s ferryman’s pole,
Ensures that all lost souls in his charge never question his orders!

Charon’s fealty and devotion to Hades are absolute in his actions as
He secures the paramountcy of the world of the dead from the living.

The fleeting and finite nature of our mortal coil ensures that we shall
One day ascend heavenward or descend into a state of total perdition.

Without any doubt, if it be perdition, Charon shall be there to greet us
With the grim gaze of his fiery-fierce eyes as he carries us to our doom!

Don’t forget your obolus—or else!
Without this silver coin the wild wrath of Charon shall be upon you!

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved 
January 21, 2018 (Couplet)

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Daniel Turner Date: 3/30/2018 12:06:00 PM Gary, I love this poem. I love Greek and Roman mythology. Although my plans are to be cremated when i die, I will make certain my family knows to put a silver coin in my pocket. lol Wonderful writing! Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 3/30/2018 3:34:00 PM Thank Danny for your read here and for your insightful comment!! Same, same for me with Greek and Roman mythology. I, too, intend to be cremated when I die -- and I do think having a silver coin too in my pocket on that occasion might be a great idea. I'm glad you liked this narrative walk into Charon's world. Cheers and Best, Gary

Liam Mcdaid Date: 2/15/2018 5:11:00 AM from out of the grim haze your pen drew an excellent piece pal wishing you both a blessed day Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 2/15/2018 6:02:00 PM Thanks Liam Mate!! May I suggest we drink some fine Irish Whiskey together -- and NOT take a boat ride with Charon!! HA!! HA!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Maria Williams Date: 2/3/2018 6:53:00 AM You certainly have researched your topic Gary. I don't think I like this scary guy at all - And your couplets describe him so well. I great write..Maria Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 2/3/2018 10:51:00 AM Hello Maria!! Thanks so much Dear One for your read here and comment on the "Charon" couplet. (I wanted to make sure I got the historical accuracy as correct as possible on this particular mythological character.) He's definitely not someone to meet. I hope all is well by you!! Talk to you soon. Best!! Gary

Silent One Date: 2/2/2018 6:47:00 AM Thank you for the lesson, you must have done a lot of research to write this poem.. A great historic poem.. Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 2/2/2018 2:20:00 PM Thanks Silent!! In fact, I did do quite a bit of research on this one. However, I'm sure that Demetrios Trifiatis could've written this one without doing any research. I'm glad you liked this one!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Vijay Pandit Date: 2/2/2018 6:31:00 AM I learned from your notes about Charon..fear of God can be a good lesson in life to do the right things. A have a unique concept here Gary, with a message. Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 2/2/2018 2:22:00 PM Hello Vijay, Thanks for your read and comment here. You are spot-on with what you say!! I'm glad you liked this couplet and its unique theme. Best Wishes, Gary

Arthur Vaso Date: 2/1/2018 11:26:00 PM Enjoyed the read, I haven't heard of this God, always something new to learn, cheers! Login to Reply Gary Bateman Date: 2/2/2018 2:24:00 PM Hello Arthur, I'm very pleased you liked this write!! I'm actually a mythology buff of sorts. There is always so much from our past which uncannily applies to our present situation and to the future as well. Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary