O - Ode on a Wedgewood Box


ODE ON A WEDGEWOOD BOX (apologies to Keats)

1
Why doth the reclining cherub turn his face
away from the accusing women?
One points towards him.
The other gestures,
making circles near her ear.

Wait!
Is that a snake he holds by the neck?
Twisted ‘round his body
hanging down the rock
he lays upon?

2
The pterippus, Pegasus, hath brought forth water,
his hooves have struck the earth.
Three comely maidens fill their jugs
grateful to this equine son of Poseidon.

Beware!
Don’t get so close,
his mother was a Gorgon!
Tho he wears the golden bridle of Athena,
death to she who dares to ride!

3
But, what is this?
Be these the self-same maidens as before,
Now dancing, hands entwined?
Nay… this be two sisters and a man.

A bare-legged brother
or a cousin dear?
Perhaps these maidens share between them
the male dancing form!

4
Traitors, all!
For look to the skies and see
a mighty warrior named Justice,
his brace of steeds rearing at the touch of his whip.

Woe to the fallen angel, who turns his head in shame.
Woe to the mighty Pegasus
Woe to the unholy threesome.
For Justice comes to all, and He is never late!


©2019 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved

Comments

  1. This was a fun poem, maybe because one of my aunts is a big Wedgewood collector.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had fun writing it. Looking at the different tableaux(yes, I had to look up the plural of tableau!)zoomed in was interesting. The Pegasus stanzas are the only part of the poem based on mythology. I made up the others!

      Delete
  2. I love that you showed each image that inspired the lines. A very unique poem.
    Found you through AtoZ.
    Doesn't Speak Klingon

    ReplyDelete

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