Gods of Winds

Notus comes creeping furtively from the south hot and bothered from the blazing summer sun. The wind of change...concealed it launches sudden storms as clouds pile up across the sky, dark and towering, lightning flashes, thunder drawls, torrential rain descends; rivers swell to bursting point; fields are swamped, crops destroyed. Then once again he sneaks away, planning his next move. His neighbour, Eurus, wants to show he’s no less able. Bearing his inverted earthen vase he goes along clumsy in gait and spilling water on dry soil. His forays from the east tend to be unlucky. Autumn fades with a sigh on Aura’s gentle wings as ice-cold winter rushes in impatiently from northern frozen lands to take its place goaded by the domineering force of Boreas who moves ahead with strong, intense authority, his violent temper uncontrolled. Despite his age he pushes his galloping stallion to the limit riding forth relentlessly, cloak billowing behind, his white beard curled; shaggy hair spiked and frosted. Roaring, across the land he speeds with utmost haste, a sacred conch shell grasped firmly in steely hand; tremendous power he exerts and blows aloud while humans cower in dark caverns, shivering. They know his moods and fear his devastating wrath. In their minds, princess Oreithyia’s forced abduction, rape, and carnal satisfaction are still fresh. They yearn for winter’s bitter ally to move on so that the gentle Zephyr enters from the west bringing with him rainbows and showers of spring, calm serenity, greenery, flowers, shades and hues, romantic feelings, fiery passion and intense love. Ultimately, all four have to heed and appease King Aeolus, firm ruler and keeper of the winds. ---------------------------------- *Aura = breeze goddess *Oreithyia = mountain Nymph ---------------------------------- 18th December 2014 Contest: Gods of Winds Sponsor: Shadow Hamilton Placed: 2nd