Helen

By luigi_pagano

Sun, 17 Jul 2016
  • 1843 reads
8 comments
 

The face that launched
one thousand ships
was that of Helen
who was Menelaus’s wife.

She had lustrous eyes
and  curvy swaying hips.
She eloped with Paris
causing a bitter strife.

The outraged cuckold
laid siege to Troy.
The resulting  war
lasted for ten years.

The city was then taken
through a canny ploy
and Cassandra’s prophecy
fell on deaf ears.

People believed
she suffered from delirium;
they ignored the warnings
that could’ve saved them.

The city of Troy
also known as Ilium
was subjected to looting
and utter mayhem.

Without batting an eyelid
she rejoined her spouse
and returned home
with the Spartan fleet.

Now, a model of discretion,
runs an efficient house.
She had taken a big gamble
but landed on her feet.

© Luigi Pagano 2016

I.P. - create poetry or prose incorporating at least five different body parts.

Certificate U
Poem
Are you being versed?
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by london_calling79 on

The follies of those in power always result in the deaths of the poor. Nice take on the Helen story.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for the comment, Alex.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

As always Luigi you've tackled the I P perfectly. With the history of Helen explained. I'd heard of Helen of Troy, but had no idea of the story behind her. 

Thank you for sharing.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

This is just a snippet, dear Jenny. There is much more to it and very complicated but nevertheless absorbing to a fan of history and mythology like myself.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by hudsonmoon on

Felt like I was in history class, Luigi. Much enjoyed.

Rich

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I always enjoyed my history lessons, Rich. Less so the geography ones.

Best, Luigi.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I liked the 'could’ve saved them' - 'utter mayhem' matching!

Is Ilium your no.6? I was thinking it part of the intestine, but of course that is 'ileum' and' ilium' is a hip bone. Clever! I nearly had a 6th, but, reluctantly felt it forced in what I was doing, and had to keet to the 5! Rhiannon

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It could be seven, dear Rhiannon, if we consider 'eyelid' a body part. But is it a duplicate, as I also used 'eye'?
It doesn't really matter once five were reached.
As ever a fun challenge.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
Luigi x