A face that launched a thousand ships ...
such beauty might eclipse the sun.
What God created such a one?
All men would die to kiss those lips.
Of her beauty, perilous and fair,
for centuries the minstrels sang ...
her fame resounded till it rang
like an invocation ... or a prayer.
What cost does beauty reimburse?
Yet though one searched the Universe,
it seems, no fairer could be found:
her radiance all should propound.
Not Zeus himself could take more joy
in a goddess ... or a shepherd boy.
Author notes
Those of you who know nothing of Greek mythology might miss the point, of course. The "she" in the poem is Helen of Troy, whose beauty was said to outblaze the sun. Helen fled from her husband with her lover, Paris, to Troy, thus bringing about the Trojan War. Zeus was the king of the Gods. The final line of course refers to his affair with a shepherd boy, Ganymede, who was said to rival Helen in looks. All of the moons of Jupiter are named for the lovers of Zeus, Io, Europa, Ganymede and so on, all female except Ganymede. The continent of Europe was actually named after Europa. Zeus was Helen's father by another of his lovers, the swan, Leda.
Please tell me what you think.
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Brilliant!!!
Thank you for entering your sonnet in my contest! 'Ariadne Or Adonis?' provided my muse with much food for thought!! I also love Greek mythology, and believe you've done a fine job with this piece. Wishing all the best to you!!! Peace, Cyn 
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I love Greek mythology, and was throughly entranced by this write. I think your understated comment: "The Greeks were a rather randy bunch." sums it up nicely. The family trees of ancient Greeks create a twisted forest! Thanks for sharing this...enjoyed it immensely!
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Great poem, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and love the Greek mythology!
Thanks for your entry.
Michelle
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It figures the story would be Greek. So the Great Zeus was a pervert. Interesting tale you've enlightened us with. And a war over a run away bride of sorts,uh? If her husband was as confused as Zeus seems to of been. Who could blame her.Quite a weave you've spun in this piece.Thank goodness your authors notes were included,or I'd of been confuse. Not like Zeus though.
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Yes and no ...
Zeus was actually a lot like a lot of men of the time. The Greeks were a rather randy bunch. They created their Gods in their own images.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my poems.
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My knowledge of Greek mythology is limited, but am I correct in believing that Zeus was rumored to be Helen's father by Leda? If so, it adds another dimension to the couplet: is Zeus's joy based on the fact that he takes pride in her great beauty, or that he desires it for his own use? 'Twould seem a rather melancholy view of Helen in this piece; I am struck by how lonely she appears, despite the clamoring for her beauty. I have no technical complaints--this is finely written!
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I had a friend ...
who was drop dead gorgeous, and she said she hated it. Men were constantly after her, like dogs in heat, and I remember once she told me she had been tempted to slash her face with a razor blade just so that the scars would deter some of it.
I would say that Helen was definitely lonely, and, of course, the people of Troy would have resented her since the war was brought on by her being there in the first place. -
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If not outright hated her, considering the outcome of the war. I read a modern novel about her that suggests she eventually returned to Menelaus after the destruction of Troy. I really need to read the actual myth for myself.
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Yes. ;)
You are quite correct. Zeus was Helen's father. I forgot to note that in the comments. I shall correct that now.
Thanks for the astute notice.
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