"Her Truth"

November 2, 2018; Something Unexpected in Mythology

My story has been changed,
To suit the views of
Societies I never touched.
To suit the views of
Men who never touched me.
Oh, I did not break my vows, Athena.
He did. Surely, you must have seen
The mighty god of the sea
Kiss away my sea-salt tears.
Ignore my cries, though your marble
halls shuddered with me.
You did not punish me
For my milky skin,
Or glimmering golden hair.
You did not punish me at all.
My tresses are now writhing serpents,
My soft skin is marred with sea-green scales.
But, any man who harms me,
Mortal man or glorious god,
Shall turn to sculpted stone.