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. :)