Chimera
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Bellerophon was sent for by king Lobates of Lycia
And given the dangerous task of slaying the Chimera
A fierce creature like a lion with a goats head on its back
With a serpent for a tail to ward off any rear attack.
It was causing mayhem in the kingdom and left many people dead
And the king promised riches in gold for the Chimera's head
Bellerophon saddled Pegasus and rose up into the sky
The mission was clear in his mind, the Chimera must die.
He flew south for two days then rested by the river
And whilst bathing heard a roar, that sent down his spine a shiver
He mounted Pegasus and headed, to where he'd heard the sound
And down below saw sheep carcasses scattered over the ground.
Over to his left he saw the beast who roared and spewed fire
A quick tug on the reins and it made Pegasus fly higher
He circled a few times and then put an arrow to his bow
Then pulled down on the reins to make Pegasus fly low.
He let go of the arrow and it caught the Chimera on its side
It let out a roar and then ran off, to nearby woods to hide
But Bellerophon chased after it then let another arrow fly
The Chimera rolled over but was refusing to die.
Bellerophon landed nearby and approached with no fear
Then put a large nugget of lead, on the tip of his spear
He threw the loaded spear as the Chimera opened its mouth
The lead would melt and burn his insides, Bellerophon had no doubt.
It let out a blood curdling scream and its eyes turned a blood red
And with one final scream, it seemed to fall to the ground dead
The serpent's tail rose with fangs showing, and it tried to bite
Bellerophon saw it coming, and swung his sword with all his might.
Its reign of terror was now over it was finally dead
Bellerophon swung his sword again and cut off its head
He mounted Pegasus and with the Chimera's head in a strong net
Headed home to the king with the proof of its death.
He arrived home two days later and went straight to the king
With the head of the Chimera wondering what bounty it would bring
The king kept his promise giving Bellerophon, riches in gold
And it secured his place in Greek mythology, with his story often told.
All over the kingdom and the adjacent lands of Lycia
People celebrated the great news, the death of the Chimera
The King was so grateful that he threw a grand feast
For Bellerophon in his honour for slaying the wild beast.
Written on 1st April 2021.
For This or That, Vol 1 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh.
Title chosen 'Chimera '.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021
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