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An Asp at the Breast



The seeds of hate are sown in bands of love,
two passions budding in a common ground.
The flower and the thorn forever bound,
a destiny that one must rise above.
Familial ties provide a fertile field
to grow resentments in the blackened soil.
Embittered children find ways to despoil
their heritage, and thus their fates are sealed.
When guilt accompanies every act of rage,
and fear lurks just beneath devotion’s word,
love’s ultimate extinction has occurred,
and horror causes links to disengage.
        Yet only from within can the heart heal,
        restoring heritage to the ideal.


Author notes

The Libation Bearers is the second in the Oresteia trilogy by Aeschylus. The plays dramatize how a series of revenge/power-motivated murders in the family of King Agamemnon of Mycenae eventually leads to the establishment of democratic (as opposed to natural) justice.

The title is based on the scene where Clytemnestra, Agememnon's wife, is troubled by a terrible dream. She dreamed that she gave birth to a snake and wrapped it in swaddling clothes. When she tried to nurse the snake, it tore her breast, sucking blood along with the milk.

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Comments

1 - 23 of 23

  • sgking123
    November 26
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    Clytemnestra, Agememnon's wifeis troubled ,terrible dream is so well refrenced by ya that I loved the entire scenario and had to say that history spake with honesty and truth


  • Draig aine gold member
    September 24

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    time has stood still

    those ties that centuries untold have emerged as new today then when the greeks ruked the world .. big rave!


  • Nickelspring gold member
    September 2
    Edit | Reply
    I have commented on this before, but reading it again I can see the carefully woven words, the ideas unfolding. This is a fabulous and deep sonnet. Congrats on the August Rave!!
    Wonderful.
    Kris


  • Wickedruby1 gold member
    September 2

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    This is so modern and definitive of the world today. It could have come off the evening news. So many youths have no moral or religious back ground since it can't be taught in school any more.


  • trekkergirl
    August 29

    Edit | Reply
    Wow gotta say I love it when people give backgrounds in their AN for their work. They are usually so very interesting and catch my interest even more than their wonderful work. I don't know this play but you got me wanting to read it... see it. Something.

    But I did/do like your poem very much. I do agree with you and we must all heal from inside.

    You can blame this that and the other thing for all the troubles of the world... but til you forgive or at least forget about what happened in the past... and let yourself get beyond that... that is when you can heal..

    Great write and has to be one of my favorites so far.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. I would give more but I was told 3 is all.


  • Skybow silver member
    August 28

    Edit | Reply
    You make this sonnet flow from beginning to end. You are the Queen of the Sonnet form that much is obvious. I wish I had your skill, but back to your strong and socially important poem; it is amazing. Even tho you are writing about a ancient story, you have made it very applicable today, dysfunctional family leave so many scars on their young it breaks my heart.

    Thank you for this!


  • toomysterious
    August 27

    Edit | Reply
    A sonnet beautifully done and the theme as true today as it was long ago when the inspiration was written. Food for thought lies in these words.


  • Pamela A Lamppa silver member
    August 27

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderfully creative sonnet. You are always a shining star when you write sonnet. Perhaps the best sonneteer on this site.

    "Embittered children find ways to despoil
    their heritage, and thus their fates are sealed."

    These lines impact and bring your message to the forefront. Vibrant - fluid - rich with wonderful truths from lore that are easily transitioned to the world we live in today.

    As always - your work is polished and perfect. Thank you so much for sharing with The Blue Lamp. I loved it. ~Pamela


  • Blue Rew silver member
    August 27

    Edit | Reply
    Focused and vibrant...
    This poem twists and coils in dark tones
    that are too often unseen amidst the aspirations
    of family and legacy. You are truly gifted in the
    area of sonnets. Blue


  • simone waters
    August 26

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    How you weave the nexus point (and the reunion too?) of all things within this verse of love and hate... very, very well done.


  • iamlost gold member
    August 22

    Edit | Reply
    This is a very intense poem, without a letdown till the end, which worked well for me, especially combined with the rhyme of the sonnet that built the power of the piece with every line. I could vividly picture everything, and the clarification in your author notes just made me go up and read the whole piece again, now with a new outlook. I enjoyed it both ways.


    ~lost


  • arafura gold member
    August 21

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    Powerful and passionate. "and fear lurks just beneath devotion’s word"... Great line poet!


  • Draig aine gold member
    August 3
    Edit | Reply
    this is beatiful

    Yet only from within can the heart heal,
    restoring heritage to the ideal.

    so truely written









  • Hetha gold member
    August 1

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    I might have to look into and read the play you've mentioned in your AN, after reading such an intense and gorgeous poem. You have my interest peaked. I can't wait to read more of your work. This is excellent.

    ~Hettie


  • Little Eagle Greeters member
    July 3

    Edit | Reply

    Thank you for your entry

    Most unfortunately yours was the only entry and I will have to delete the contest. Perhaps I set too high a challenge. However you have risen to it spectacularly.

    The imagery in this is very dark and tragic. Much like the prompt. I think you explored it well.

    Of course the form is done perfectly. Good rhyme scheme and the syllable count is well done. 10 syllables makes a good line I think.

    Thank you for entering. I encourage you to keep writing to read and comment.

    God Bless
    Tammy


  • Andre ben-YEHU
    July 2

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    Excellent...


    The title doesn't seem to be the ideal one here, except to the authors note. I would see it more like to be said that the Sonnet was conceived based on... etc.

    I like the symbolism and the way it was composed; the lexicon, the rhythm and flow. A masterpiece for a colector's file.

    Thank You for adding value to Poetry.

    In respect and admiration,

    Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU


    • CitrineSunrise silver member
      July 2
      Edit | Reply
      Finding the perfect title for my poems is the most difficult part of the writing process for me. I honestly would prefer to call it Sonnet XXI instead. I appreciate your comments and suggestions and the time you take to read my poems. Peace, Liz


      • Andre ben-YEHU
        July 3
        Edit | Reply

        on: An Asp to the Breast

        Esteemed Poet:

        Health and bliss.

        Try this: Write the poem, read it, and let it give its own title.

        In respect and admiration,

        Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU


  • HeavensNewestAngel
    July 1
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    Another beatiful write by you.


  • Nickelspring gold member
    June 25

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    Im very glad for the author notes on this, it reflects the depth to this piece. Lovely rhyme and meter. This was a joy to read and digest.
    Best wishes,
    K

  • Purrsanthema
    June 21
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    This is such a fine sonnet!


  • malmadre gold member
    June 19

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    This is a perfect example of why I love rhyme, and it's also a reminder of how little I know of ancient history. It's excellent, a creation to be proud of, the title caught my attention and your wording follows suit. The author notes give insight for the basis of the poem. This is good! and some head rolls...


  • Peteskid gold member
    June 19

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    I think Aeschylus was the more passionate one of the major authors of the trilogies of Orestes and here the passion is evident: family ties fertile ground for human emotions, the vast array of emotions...all seem to find a place to grow...I enjoyed this...excellent expression within the form...PK

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