The First Gathering, The Wrath, The Return Of Zeus
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The First Gathering, The Wrath, The Return Of Zeus
( "Wherein Fate and Destiny Reign Over Blind Worship )
Else the throngs of mortals find the truth,
teeming in the angry hordes they may,
forget to pay alms and worship us all,
instead learn to burn their own flame;
Dare they become gods of their own creation,
rule as they may with greater might
see in the night sky a greater heaven
with blinded power plot another course-
once lit the fires of power will never cease
our reign will quickly fade!
Then spoke Ares,
brothers the answer is war
we must teach them war is the way
that greed and lust are to be glorified
that obtaining ever greater wealth the true goal,
we dare not do otherwise
Aphrodite then rose,
Her beauty awed even the Gods,
She laughed and declared
war is not the answer
we must gift those of mortal flesh
love, carnal pleasures
and nights of heavenly delights
they may then build more temples in my name
and marvel at our divine wisdom
Hera could stand no more,
how dare they ignore her power
not consult her in this new game
knowing mighty Zeus was galaxies away
She sought to gain more influence with the lesser Gods
as her jealousies were legion and her heart as cold as the frozen North
she bellowed, punish them is the way
plagues and pestilence to ride along with- War
let Death exert its powers!
Phobos and Deimos next rose to speak,
in unison favoring Hera's dark call
and their father's passion for - War
singing of the beauty of blood and gore
the humbling of all mankind
that they would again pray to the mighty gods
look to Olympus and bow in enslavement;
At that moment,
a lightning bold struck the temple pillars
from above an angry voice roared - Cease!
you have angered he that must never be challenged
I Zeus, will allow none of your wicked schemes
bow now to me,
so my wrath may subside
and banishment from Olympus may not be on your heads
As all bowed,
Zeus appeared, with his blazing sword drawn
these earthbound creatures of weaken flesh are mine
war is allowed only when I command
Ares, leave now else the fires of my wrath I may sate
as Ares fled, Hera hurriedly walked away
Phobos and Deimos begged for forgiveness
mighty Zeus calmed.
Below the city saw the fires of the volcano erupt
the citizens all fell into a panic
crying out, mighty Zeus please save us
suddenly the eruptions ceased
the masses raced into the temples
giving thanks and paying alms
Zeus smiled and said,
now graze on the bounty below
know this, your time shall come
war and death will be your swords
greed and lust shall rule
and you too will then feel the
pain and the immense darkness of being gods!
Then Death spoke,
Zeus, you live a thousand years as a day
your time shall one day come
my power shall vanquish yours
enjoy this fleeting moment
for yours and man's future holds many surprises.
Silence reigned, centuries flew by
and in the echoes of yesterdays
dark whispers and sadness in hidden realms hold sway.
Robert J. Lindley, 1-20-2021
Free verse, ( A tale born of inspiration and poetic musings )
Note -
My having yesterday read Keith O.J. Hunt's magnificent poem titled,
"Land of the seven suns" stirred my soul and woke my muse.
When my muse shouted wake from thy abandonment of hope,
Pick up pen and let the dead gods of old speak!
I was shocked at the passion the muse displayed'
And with some apprehension did as I was bade to do.
Giving thanks to my dear friend Keith. Such inspiration is indeed
A golden gift.
Quotes:
Zeus does not bring all men’s plans to fulfillment.
– Homer
Chorus: Zeus, who guided men to think who laid it down that wisdom comes alone through suffering. Still there drips in sleep against the heart grief of memory; against our pleasure we are temperate.
– Aeschylus
In times of dread, artists must never choose to remain silent.
– Toni Morrison
Copyright ©
Robert Lindley
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