How desperately I longed to see your face 

I who am doing penance for unmasking you. 

How could I have known that you were the young god of love

When they planted Seeds of doubt in my curious mind 

And those seeds sprouted into monsters?

They left me on a cliff and dressed me as the bride of death, 

Envious of my beauty, 

Yet you put aside your arrow and your bow to bear me to your palace

On an eagle's wings

Where invisible hands fulfilled my every need

And your loving touch brought me to heights of pleasure. 

But that was not enough. 

I was just a girl and had to know your true identity 

And for that glimpse of stolen knowledge paid a price. 

Now I am here,

Beaten and bruised,

Crossing the River Styx to meet Persephone, the Queen of Hell, and Cerberus, the three-headed beast who guards her gates. 

Here among the howling shades

Have I found true love at last,

The eternal flame that burns the flesh but never dies. 

Can you forgive me, Heart of my heart,

I, who humbled by the great Aphrodite, still longs to be the soul of your soul?

Might I not dare one day to earn my place with you among the gods?

ROSALIND RESNICK

JUNE 13, 2017