Home » Poems » Vladimir Tumanov » Cupid and Psyche: Part 2

Cupid and Psyche: Part 2

Cont'd from Cupid and Psyche: Part 1

And so, the tricky goddess 
got sacks of different seed.
She mixed them up completely 
and said: "Here's what I need.

You have to sort the millet, 
the barley and the rye
in neat and separate measures — 
by morning.  Can you try?"

Poor Psyche was discouraged. 
She muttered: "No I can't."
But suddenly she noticed 
a tiny, wriggly ant.

And then she spied another 
and still ten million more.
They sorted seeds and put them 
in portions on the floor.

When no seed was left over, 
she thanked them one and all.
And then she slept till morning 
when Venus came to call.

The goddess had been certain 
that Psyche was to fail.
But Venus kept on scheming 
and thought she would prevail.

She said: 'You have to bring me 
a bucketful of fleece
from sheep that I will show you — 
the finest in all Greece.

But do take care, my darling: 
they will put up a fight.
They are as fierce as lions 
and will be sure to bite."

When Psyche came up closer 
and saw the grazing sheep,
she knew that they would kill her: 
their wool they meant to keep.

A reed in nearby water 
exclaimed: "Do not despair.
When they walk through those bushes, 
the sheep leave clumps of hair."

So Psyche sat and waited 
until the sheep indeed
left fleece on all the bushes, 
as promised by the reed.

Then Psyche filled her bucket  
with wool right to the brim.
When Venus saw her coming, 
the goddess looked quite grim.

"Oh, you are swift, my pretty," 
the cruel Venus said.
"Fulfill the final mission 
and Cupid you can wed.

Not far from here there rumbles 
a giant waterfall.
A cupful of its water 
I want to have — that's all."

The waterfall was roaring 
with all its flowing might.
The slippery rocks around it 
were such a scary sight.

So Psyche started sobbing 
until her cries were heard
by yet another helper. 
This one — a friendly bird.

"Give me the cup; don't worry. 
I know just what to do,"
the birdie chirped and quickly 
up to the water flew.

It filled the cup and brought it 
back to the grateful maid.
And Psyche said: 'Oh, thank you 
for this much needed aid!"

The cup made Venus livid! 
But now she had no choice.
She said: "I give you Cupid" 
with fury in her voice.

At once the happy Psyche 
had Cupid in her arms.
What can be more enticing 
than love's eternal charms?

Since then they've been together — 
forever in their bliss —
united by two arrows, 
a goddess and a kiss.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.