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The Duality of Fatherhood

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Microsoft Bing: DALL-E 2

EXTENDED METAPHOR IN ACTION

The references to Greek mythology in this poem function as extended metaphors, reinforcing the thematic exploration of fatherhood as both burden and gift. One does not have to be proficient in the deciphering of the mythological references to understand this many layered poem that explores the paradoxical nature of fatherhood oscillating throughout the poem.

 ‘he hangs the moon’: With its mythological roots (with reference to the goddess of the Moon, Selene), this idiom is used to describe a person who is highly regarded or considered to be capable of doing anything. It’s a way of expressing extreme admiration for someone’s abilities or qualities.

BTW It is Pandora’s jar and not box—from the translation of pithos in Hesiod’s original myth.


A Suzette Swan Arc poem. See my article:

Oscillation – A Defining Feature of Suzette Swan Arc Poetry | PoetrySoup.com


 

a secret d r e a m of peace youth making dreamers of all – amidst enemy F. I.R.E p a s s I o n s rode H I G H – he lays a bridge of worn footprints— each step a chapter unwritten in the cycle of life as Sisyphus struggled with his burden the world— a hostile place to carve a niche— while he runs in circles … his f 8 o 8 o 8 t 8 p 8 r 8 I 8 n 8 t 8 s fading in Selenic tides embracing his issue – ( hiding fear ) in the folds of his proud smile :) opening a Pandora’s jar— (the original punishment for having sticky fingers) sticky embraces now s.o.i.l.i.n.g his best suit wearing of gifts bestowed by Zeus – stoking the fire to excel W T H N the children blossom – A C I G C ! H ! E ! E ! R ! I ! N !G !!! them on to achieve their dreams as his b r e a t h catches in a TighT chest youthful dreams circle … unfolding, returning— he hangs the moon— an Olympic torch passed on …

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 6/16/2025 8:33:00 PM
You are a gifted poetess, Suzette. I am utterly speechless. You have given me someone to respectfully learn from. What a poem for Father's Day!!! A perfect ending-
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Suzette Richards
Date: 6/18/2025 4:34:00 AM
Thank you, Paige, for your kind compliment. :)
Date: 6/14/2025 4:28:00 PM
cool exploration of fatherhood...and wow, it Pandora's jar, not a box!
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Suzette Richards
Date: 6/14/2025 10:52:00 PM
:) Just me going overboard with details, David ...lol

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