Aphrodite’s Lament

by Macey Lorayne Richert

 

 

they do not know me.

 

they speak of me and love

drips

from their lips.

 

they build my body

soft

one curve

at a time.

 

they give me apples

golden

cold

they watch my teeth

sink

into the metal

and tell me to be satisfied.

 

but I am starving.

and I think they have forgotten

that I commanded the moon

that I laid waste

that I governed spears of metal and flesh

that I exulted, unafraid

for all who looked upon me

loved

and despaired

and worshipped

and wept.

 

they think I came to them

gently

on a rush of foam.

 

they tell me to smile

 

gorgeous

 

they do not know

they do not see it

 

blood

on the hem of my dress.

 

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