Plain young maiden, serpentine hair
Some say she’s ugly, not very fair
Living at the world’s edge, so little experience
But small towns don’t expect a daily appearance
***
Central shrine built on a jetty into the sea
Maiden nightly buffs marble floors hiding, apparently
Escapes the chit-chat encouraged by the sun
Light from the moon is kinder to such a one
***
Weekly, Athena comes to pay her wage
Criticizing despite being a respected mage
One night a man appears on the swirling sand
Ocean behind him eroding the spit of land
***
Handsome and strong he enters the room
Maiden rises from the floor, sensing her doom
“Stay,” he says, “Tell me who you are”
Maiden murmurs a plea to the evening star
***
“Speak up,” he orders and she recognizes him
The sea ruler Poseidon, desiring her on a whim
So many beautiful women in their city
Why does he want she who is not pretty?
***
Maiden turns, tries to run but is caught
He reeks of grapes, she cries out completely distraught
He leaves her bloody and bruised as she cries
Athena returns and accuses her of lies
***
“I curse you!” shouts the angry mage
“For tempting him you will suffer!” said in a rage
The maiden’s serpentine hair turns into snakes
A fitting crime, says Athena, as the maiden’s heart breaks
***
Her eyes tingle, Athena’s curse complete
Mage leaves as another man enters the shrine of deceit
He greets the maiden, looking into her face
Then turns to stone as snakes and eyes interlace
***
Maiden Medusa, driven from her home
Seeks revenge around her world that she will roam
Until Perseus beheads her with his famed sword
Using the shield in lands he has explored
***
Pegasus, winged horse, sprung from her head
A protective amulet that many learn to dread
Athena, wily mage, forces Perseus to yield
The head of Medusa to place in her shield
***
Ah, it seems to me that injustice always reigned
And plain women have always been constrained
Blaming the victim, especially in rape, has not changed
Although the words and meanings have been rearranged
***
Medusa, you were forced beyond your cognition
Your only talent lying in your submission
Luckless, loveless, lacking beauty
You nevertheless tried to do your duty
***
Medusa, modern women share your pain and honor you…
© 2015 Clarissa Simmens (ViataMaja)
IMAGE: Medusa by Caravaggio
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