"The Hydra’s gain from loss, with doubled strength, was all in vain."
- Ovid, Metamorphoses
in each face i saw the same slanted eyes
staring back with each aching lunge
nine sets of teeth glinted at my reach
lest you forget the story i have the golden sword
just scales protected that hollow
you were nothing but simple cells
and sticky fluid among the algae
but her love for you was not lost
she was intent on paying tribute
she set you among the burning stars
flanked by cancer your prize was
flumes of smoke that would curl
like singed hairs like halos like hot
breath lifting through this ether
without her i would not know you
my love drops at her feet
so now i just nod my head
to see you hanging behind the night
a serpent's face set on fire
Beautiful! I love this. It's strange how poetry can feel personal when you read it. I see your particular place in life in it, but I see my own as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a first draft, but I'm so glad you like it. It's. Interesting and comforting, though, that parallel journeys keep us hand in hand. xo
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