Course unplotted, eroded by mercurial sea;
temple once sacred, defiled by three.

Wisdom cracked beauty, pierced it with arrows
forged from trialed oaths unkept in shadows.

Mere mortal wounded, a monster turned;
no furies so great, as furies earned.

Forked tongue flicked venomous wrath,
eyes turned to stone, feet froze on path.

Heart withered, cast into exile;
once desired, now desolate isle.

Dreams cursed by reflection, a deceitful slayer, 
coiling mind’s labyrinth, fangs unsheathed betrayed her.

No peace in shade, now another’s mythical shield;
fear, the unseen weapon, threatens held sight with fates shared and sealed.

An alchemist’s pen inked victim villain;
winged stories flew time’s course, most unjustly written.

Cover Photo: Perseus & Medusa by Antonio Canova, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, NY