Zeus the Philanderer

A poem based on the Greek pantheon: Zeus The Philanderer Zeus the philanderer, lust divine, Maidens fair he did entwine, By guileful means he won their trust, Bastard offspring born from his lust. With swan's guise, Leda he charmed, Castor and Pollux strong, were formed, Danae he showered with golden rain, Perseus, hero born, from their love train. Antiope, queen of Thebes, he pursued, Bull's disguise, his love he imbued, Twins were born, Amphion and Zethus, Walls of Thebes, they built with thrust. Callisto, seduced by guile, Became a bear, Hera caught his wile, Arcas, son born, of Zeus' seed, Placed in sky's heed, forever freed. Europa, lovely Phoenician maid, Bull's guise, Zeus came to aid, Minos, Sarpedon, Rhadamanthus born, Great kings, from union, were sworn. Io, maiden, mortal born, Heifer hide, Zeus did adorn, Epaphus, son born, from their bliss, Line of kings, from his loins, reminisce. Aegina, eagle guise he did take, Aeacus, son born, island did make, Myrmidons raised, his loyal band, Achilles, born, by Zeus' command. Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis, Zeus' seed, conceived the twins of bliss, Music, hunting, prophecy, and art exchanged, The world forever changed, from their range. Semele, Zeus' cousin he beguiled, Lightning and thunder, love compiled, Heracles, son born, hero divine, Twelve labors endured, by Zeus' design. Many children born of his desire, Maidens caught in his fire, Zeus' ways were divine, not in vain, Each child born had a purpose to maintain. ~kcm 15 Apr 2023