Reverse Midas Touch
Some called him Bacchus, some Dionysus:
god of the grape-harvest, winemaking, fruit.
Giver of joy, dispenser of sorrow,
famous for orgies, bacchantes recruits…
Enter King Midas, ruler of Phrygia
encountered a peasant, drunk on much wine.
Fed, entertained him, showed much hospitality;
Bacchus’ old mentor, returned in due time.
Bacchus, in gratitude, granted a wish;
everything Midas touched turned into gold.
Overjoyed, set about transforming all he saw;
gift became curse with his food hard and cold.
Some say the king went back to Dionysus,
pleaded the effects of the spell be reversed.
Others say Midas succumbed to insanity,
wasting away as his hunger grew worse.
Wish not for changes to your circumstances;
perilous dangers await, unforeseen.
Your best intentions end up being flushed;
that’s what the Reverse Midas Touch truly means.
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for the This or That, Vol 15 Poetry Contest
sponsored by Edward Ibeh
written on 1/14/23
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