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Notes About The Poem

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.

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A Suzette Swan Arc poem. See my article:

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

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The Duality of Fatherhood

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 …

Please Login to post a comment

Paige Hind 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- Login to Reply Suzette Richards Date: 6/18/2025 4:34:00 AM Thank you, Paige, for your kind compliment. :)

David Crandall Date: 6/14/2025 4:28:00 PM cool exploration of fatherhood...and wow, it Pandora's jar, not a box! Login to Reply Suzette Richards Date: 6/14/2025 10:52:00 PM :) Just me going overboard with details, David ...lol