Pygmalion and Galatea. (a Greek Myth.)
Of ancient Cypriot sculptors, one above all else excelled.
The statues which Pygmalion carved, from ivory or stone,
aroused the admiration of his peers when they beheld
the true-to-life creations of his craftsmanship alone.
Observing prostitution of the Propoetides,
he grew, in early youth, the female gender to abhor
and vowed he’d never marry if all women were like these
but would create a perfect virgin maiden to adore.
From a carefully selected block of purest ivory stone,
employing all his craftsmanship and taking greatest care,
he worked month after month to make a woman of his own
in every detail, perfect from her toenails to her hair.
At last she stood before him, finished to his satisfaction,
as perfect and as beautiful as any maid could be.
She never spoke or argued thereby causing no distraction
until he fell in love with his creation, hopelessly.
He named her Galatea after the sea-nymph of that name,
and, lovingly, would gaze upon her form as white as milk,
hang jewels about her neck and ornaments upon her frame
arraying her like a princess in rich robes of finest silk.
Daily, the ivory maiden looked down silently at him
and, daily he would stand entranced and gaze into her eyes.
His love for Galatea grew strong – it was no passing whim;
he scarcely ever left his house or parted from his prize.
At Aphrodite’s temple, humbly kneeling at her shrine,
he made oblation to the goddess, offering this prayer:
“O Thou, who has vouchsafed to me this gift of love divine,
pray give me now a perfect, living bride like Galatea.”
On high, in great Olympus, goddess Aphrodite heard
Pygmalion’s plea and understood the force of his desire.
Descending to the statue, she spake not a single word
but, by a breath, infused the ivory maid with living fire.
Pygmalion, returning home, was startled to observe
that Galatea’s ivory skin no longer glistened white
but glowed with rosy hue and, at his touch, her every nerve
thrilled as her eyes were opened to the unaccustomed light.
He felt the warmth of human flesh as he now grasped her hand
and took her in his arms then, held in close embrace, he kissed her.
While she, her new-found life and sense could scarcely understand
as, stepping from her pedestal, he hastened to assist her.
She gazed at him adoringly, her master and creator.
Her gratitude and love for him consumed her living breast
as she besought, imploringly, Pygmalion to mate her.
and Aphrodite was, of course, an honoured wedding guest.
Knowing that ’twas his skill, his love and prayer did life invest,
fair Galatea soon proved herself a perfect wife and mother
for, ‘ere a year was out they, with a handsome son, were blest
and, in another year, a lovely daughter joined her brother.
The moral of this story is that consummation bridal,
with prayer and faith, may even come to him who loves an idol.
Hugh Wyles, August 15th. 2009.
Author notes
My interest in this ancient myth was inspired by the paintings of the French painter and sculptor, Jean-Leon Gerome (1824-1901), and particularly by his series of paintings, oil on canvas dating from ca. 1890 of Pygmalion and Galatea of which the above is an example.
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Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Dear Hugh,
You have chosen well for your 855th poem on AP.
Galatea certainly has a perfect figure and I'm happy that Pygmalion prayed to the goddess Aphrodite to give him a live version of Galatea and his wish was granted and they lived happily together with their children. A beautiful poem my dear friend that I enjoyed reading very much. You never disappoint me with your poems and may you write many more in the future.
Love and hugs.
Bea
XOXOXO
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excellent
I love how this romantic poem just flowed so easy
I really liked it when she came alive with the rosy glow
Romantic and beautiful...
Penned perfectly
Thanks da for a most enjoyable read
Hugs
Your castle daughter
Susan~~~
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Intricate...
A great yarn, now as in ancient times; though I fancy Bernard Shaw was nearer the mark. Women when they are not on pedestals, or being primed up, are people, with all the attendant flaws and humanity.
For some reason, l/45 did not seem to scan right. Perhaps if 'she' was inserted before 'was'.
Well done
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Aph-ro-dit-e, as a Greek name, is pronounced with four syllables. I think if you read it as such, line #45 will scan correctly.
Thankyou for your comment. Hugh.
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Well I'm getting me a big rock and a sledge and jack hammer and I'm carving me the perfect woman...with boulder size, umm, you know whats.
With any luck Aphrodite will do her trick a second time for me, and if not, at least I'll have me a woman that doesn't talk too much.
Actually it's a very absorbing and entertaining tale Hugh.
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Bravo!
Dear Hugh,
This romantic myth will please anyone who 'loves a lover'. I enjoyed the story very much, especially the way it was told by a gifted story teller like you!
Love and Hugs,
♥ Maureen
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Remarkable, again, your attention to detail,
your sense of drama and suspense
as you create this rhythmic tale.
Your passion for your work
is evident as always, Hugh!
M-C
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Facinating
It gave me goose bumps when she came alive. Thank you for bringing the myth to life so eloquently. It is always interesting to see how other times and cultures viewed beauty. By today's standards she (the statue) would be considered fat.
The only Pygmalion I had heard of was the other name for the film My Fair Lady now I understand the reason behind the name
thank you for an enjoyable read
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This is just marvelously done -- and although I knew the myth slightly, I never heard the whole of it. You tell such excellent stories, and in lovely rhymes!
Lita
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