your only duty is to be
desired
you are meant to be
obtained
you were born with two sisters
and they send a man
to relieve you of the pain
of mortal life
you, molested by poseidon
you, punished by athena
you, you, you, hiding in your cave
awaiting an end
disciplined without sin
you remain in your grotto
with echoing hiss
without touch of flesh
a golden spring brings him
his bronze shield around a corner
their divine sword beheading
the inside of a sack turns to stone
cetus dies by the same sword
and your eyes are revealed
once, and once again,
vengeance on vengeance on vengeance
you remain forever
on breastplate and shield
betrayed by those
who were meant to protect
gods are not
good
men are not
great
there is only you,
only you,
in your cave,
for a moment, alive
