Athena. Poem by Julie Hopper

 
 
denizen of the mental metropolis
there is a city that bears your name
but the city of the mind
is the only home you know
 
your mother Metis
subsumed by Zeus
who wanted no rivals
no sons to challenge him
 
How ironic, then, that you came forth instead.
 
Poor Zeus.
Did he not realise
that he would never be free
until you were released?
 
No child of the womb
yet even in the skull of Zeus
your mother’s spirit
gave you wisdom and strength
 
There is none better to be companion of the heroes.
 
Brave deeds not warmongering
will win your admiration and respect
and men who wish to dwell with you
must also dwell in the city of the mind
 
Your head is aflame like a match
burning bright but burning out
before your body catches fire
staying cool to the touch
 
Can you forgive Zeus for what he did to your mother?
 
You wear your armour with pride
but beware the shining metal
lest your protection
become also your prison
 
The Gorgon at your breast
this monster keeping demons at bay
is she not also a demon
but one of your own making?
 
 

Julie Hopper
Julie Hopper is a former teacher and adult literacy trainer. She enjoys writing poetry short stories and memoirs and hopes to devote time to writing more of everything.
 
She gained a Professional Writing and Editing degree some years ago and is now taking the opportunity to put the knowledge gained to good use. She is an avid reader and loves talking about books of all kinds with like-minded readers and writers. Encouragement from friends has given her the courage to think that maybe others may also like what she has written.

 
 

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