NaPoWriMo 2013 Day 20 ~ A Woman Is More Than A Bloody Sheet


You tempt me with seeds and flesh
when I hunger for a new day that
is not fraught with my body’s pulse
wishing for a touch born from
the flames of Diabolos hand.

Disthius would have my heart melted
on his platter of conquests and then
toss me into Skasila’s abyss
to drown amongst the maidens
who sacrificed pink innocence to his touch.

Mother did not name me Artemis to have
me bow my knees to lust that would leave my
womb a crib for a fatherless child.
I will outlast Dithius’ attempts to seduce me
into giving up the crown I am to wear
when I reach my eighteenth birthday.

He would raise his sword of double standard
to proclaim me a harlot unworthy to rule
because I no longer possess the virgin’s proof
the council will demand before I claim the throne.

When I am seated as queen, my first ruling will be
that each child a man has called bastard will become
wards in my care and given my last name, Mathias.

The song of submission no longer sings in my ear.
I will stand as tall as the name given to me at birth.
I am a woman who will teach her sisters they
don’t need bloody sheets to prove their worth.



©Susie Clevenger 2013

Kerry at Real Toads had us writing story poems from illustrations by Virginia Frances Sterrett. I thought I should share the meanings of the names I used to help in understanding the piece better. First of all I made up the name, Disthius. Why, I am not sure except it came to me and I liked its sound.

The following are Greek words:

Diabolos ~ devil
Skasila ~ heartbreak
Artemis ~ Goddess of the Hunt and protector of women
Mathias ~ Gift of God

 The link to this challenge is called The Lark And The Toad, how appropriate. :)







Comments

Kay L. Davies said…
Fabulous, Susie. The statement of a woman of strength and determination!
K
Lolamouse said…
Bravo! I love Artemis-such a strong but nurturing figure. Your poem is strong and beautiful, just like Artemis!
Helen said…
My goodness! This is the ultimate story - poem!!!
Maude Lynn said…
Out-freaking-standing!
Rita Odeh said…
I will stand as tall as the name given to me at birth.
I am a woman who will teach her sisters they
don’t need bloody sheets to prove their worth.

===
Stunning !
Your Confession proves that you don't live a poem. YOU ARE THE POEM.

Blessings...
Rita
aquadragonfruit said…
Geez, girlie. This is fricking amazing. Wow, that's a powerful opening, especially:

"when I hunger for a new day that
is not fraught with my body’s pulse"

My word, this is amazing:
"Disthius would have my heart melted
on his platter of conquests and then
toss me into Skasila’s abyss
to drown amongst the maidens
who sacrificed pink innocence to his touch."

Great ending as well!
Susan said…
Excellent! I love the adopted children, the restoration of worth to women everywhere.
Kerry O'Connor said…
This tale is as lush as any myth I have read, and I'm so impressed you created your own myth to tell the age-old tale of women's tireless pursuit of emancipation. Each scene unfolded before my eyes, and the language is wonderful - filled with classical nuances.

The song of submission no longer sings in my ear...

Amen, sister.
Unknown said…
Hooray for Artemis protecting all women! Could feel her power through your words!
Cad said…
I take my hat off to you! Good work. :)
hedgewitch said…
I absolutely love this Susie--one of my all-time favorites of yours--so much depth of feeling, so many rich images, and all so simply and straightforwardly told. Always the woman bears the stigma, and the innocent child wears the label, of a man's careless lust. An excellent title, too.
Marian said…
this is really impressive, Susie... i want more of this kinds of writing from you now! :)
it's a story of universal longing, isn't it? "I hunger for a new day that
is not fraught with my body’s pulse." wow.
WOW. Powerful. Renders me speechless.