Muses, tell me.
Muses, tell me the story of Medusa.
Her beauty, so golden and sun touched was she, that the god Poseidon rose from the deep sea.
For, once, before the shadows and promise of cruelty, she was a lady of elegant dawn.
Tell me of the stars dancing on her cheekbones, the grace of her features.
Of beautiful Medusa, worshiping the mighty goddess of war and wisdom.
Laid across one of her many alters, relishing in the sanctity of Athena’s temple.
Tell me of Poseidon, eyes blue as the Atlantic. Tell me of the power lining his bones, the over zealous confidence flowing through his veins. Of the arrogance and certainty that only a god possesses.
Tell me of his blinding rage, of all of the ocean rising up in the fury of refusal.
Tell me of the injustice; this greedy man, the supposed power.
The press of ichor laden hands, driving her into the cold floor. Her cries rising like smoke to the entirety of Olympus, to even the grey-eyed goddess.
Tell me of the way Athena flew down to her temple, to her devotee. Of all the planets and moons shifting out of her way to assist her.
Tell me of her fury, so great, the air trembled with her authority. Tell me of the fire that roared through her temple walls.
Tell me of the wrath of the ferocious women of Mt. Olympus, breathing down Poseidon’s neck, a savage warning.
Tell me of how Athena, grief and horror stricken, kissed infinity and apology into her skin, twisted her golden locks into serpents.
Medusa’s eyes flashing white, her ascension to immortality.
Of her snakes, furious hissing beasts, a ringlet of holy scales around her brow.
Athena, goddess of war, mother of weaponry.
Medusa, her own remade protector. Her own weapon.
An apology, a promise of defense; but never true mercy, never true safety.
A writhing, hungry curse born of a place of fear and shame.
Muses, tell me of the corpse-like statues lining her halls. The frozen hands of once greedy men, trapped beneath a promise of stone.
Tell me of the knowing smile that graced her once mortal lips.
Tell me of the stars, engraved in the sky, tracing her story for the decades to come.
Hey guys! I’m pretty new to writing poetry, but have enjoyed it as an emotional outlet lately. This is partially inspired by a book I read recently, “Orphia and Eurydicius.” I loved the way Orphia started some of her poems with the “Muses, tell me of” line and tried my hand at it since I love Greek mythology. Let me know what you think, I’m totally open to criticism where I can get it. I hope I did the commenting and everything right, I’m new to this subreddit as well. Thank you in advance!
Posted Feb 25, 2026, 9:34 AM UTC