Love Poem: Daughter of the Gods
Paul Callus Avatar
Written by: Paul Callus

Daughter of the Gods

Love is blind 
To all the perils 
That lie dormant in the mind
Beyond the limits of transgression.

A mortal maiden golden-haired
Priestess of Athena, daughter of the gods
By Poseidon with persuasive honeyed words was wooed 
She melted in their alluring warmth and charm.

With guile concealed and flattery he urged her on 
Her defences crumbled; the drawbridge lowered 
To reveal the gateway to her heart 
Forgotten were the vows of celibacy.

Beneath his touch her senses reeled 
Her eyelids closed in expectation
He took his chance with urgent need and greed 
Her virgin spoils were taken.

As trembling bodies rode the waves of love and lust
Tremors shook the earth, the ocean heaved; the wind enraged
Swept o’er the land and lightning flashed across the sky.
Such was the wrath of gods defied and disobeyed
Terrible and eternal punishment they bestowed.

The mortal maiden golden-haired 
A repulsive hideous monster she became
Her fair unblemished skin gave way to loathsome green
Her bloodshot eyes in terror gazed, their previous lustre gone
Each lock of hair a writhing snake that hissed and spouted venom.

Condemned beyond mercy she fled to distant land 
Where cursed and shunned she lived in great despair
Turning into stone whosoever fell beneath her vengeful gaze.

At last Perseus took her life. Aided by Athena’s mirrored shield  
His scythe tore into flesh and bone; her severed head was lifted high.
Medusa’s misery and shame came to an end
Death – the final liberating act.