in myths and make-believe she gifts herself to the stellar king hungry mouths probing tongues lithe limbs
in a sea of green lips on flesh
and flesh in lips
to her zenith
to her zenith there and back
and there again
A few words about the poem… Eternal Encounters: Exploring Intimacy in Greek Mythology Poems
The poem "Zeus and the Virgin" weaves a narrative through its concise yet vivid imagery, capturing the essence of mythological allure and intimate encounters. The opening lines, "in myths / and make-believe," establish a realm where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur, invoking the timeless nature of mythological storytelling.
The phrase "she gifts herself / to the stellar king" positions the virgin as an active participant in the narrative, bestowing her presence to Zeus, the celestial ruler. This act of gifting highlights both agency and submission, echoing the complex dynamics often found in mythological tales.
The subsequent lines, "hungry mouths / probing tongues / lithe limbs," evoke a sense of physicality and desire, painting a scene of fervent interaction. The repetition of sensory imagery—mouths, tongues, limbs—intensifies the intimacy of the moment, drawing the reader into the immediacy of the encounter.
The "sea of green" metaphorically situates the scene in a natural, possibly pastoral setting, where the verdant backdrop enhances the primal connection between the characters. This natural imagery is complemented by "lips on flesh / and flesh in lips," a vivid depiction of mutual desire and union.
The refrain "to her zenith / to her zenith / there and back / and there again" underscores a cyclical journey of pleasure and fulfilment. The repetition emphasizes the rhythmic nature of the encounter, suggesting a continuous ebb and flow that mirrors natural cycles and the mythological theme of eternal recurrence.
Overall, "Zeus and the virgin," from the series Greek Mythology Poems, distils a mythic encounter into a series of potent images and rhythms, offering a glimpse into the timeless dance between gods and mortals, desire and fulfilment. The poem's brevity and intensity leave a lasting impression, inviting readers to explore the depths of myth and imagination.
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