Cyclops

He wandered at night the streets that might

Be busy, during the day,

The empty squares and the thoroughfares

To search for a come-what-may,

He’d never appear in the light of day

And shrank at a distant shout,

His way was always a lonely way,

Watching the lights go out.

 

He’d always avoid the gaze of men

Who would stare at him, then die,

Nor would he seek a mirror then,

He was born with a single eye.

His mother took him away at birth

So his father wouldn’t see,

That she had lain with a cyclops once

And then paid the penalty.

 

She had kept him locked in a cellar, till

He had grown too strong and bold,

He’d strained and torn at his chains until

His jail had failed to hold.

He couldn’t leave in the daylight, for

He had only known the dark,

So left one night in the pale moonlight

And escaped across the park.

 

He’d roam at night when the stars were bright

For the food and drink he’d need,

Padding the cobbled pavements there

In search of a missing creed.

What was the purpose of his life,

Could he exist alone?

Was there a female Cyclops somewhere

Willing to take him home?

 

One winter’s night when the time was right

And the streets were damp and drear,

He saw her walking a way ahead

And quaked in a sudden fear.

What if she turned and gazed on him

Drawn in by his single eye,

What if she died? He shook and sighed,

‘If she does, then so will I.’

 

She heard his footsteps behind her then

So he said, ‘you’re walking late!’

And her reply was a thankful sigh,

‘I can’t find my garden gate.’

He took her arm and they walked along

As she tried describing it,

His heart was full, he could do no wrong

As she tapped with a long white stick.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Avinash]

This one is quite brilliant. It forces you certain questions. Are we doing what we are doing just for the fear of society? Just because we will termed a freak or not one of them will decide our whole life course. At times you wish the whole world were blind so that there was no racism and hatred. But it is a story of a cyclops which applies to everyone who is not part of the crowd.

[fattycbreezy52]

This is so heavenly.
I have always loved the cyclops, since the day I saw Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters.
An amazing piece , I must say sir.The way you have given us every intricate detail with a touching note at the end is marvellous. Diction is amazing. Flow is so very natural and descriptive.Agony lurks in the corner. Its hard-hitting.

[mattavelli]

Great rhyme. Your story flows nicely and has vivid imagery; and the ending is cute. Thanks for sharing.

[ANTO]

A big sigh here David. You can really pull on the heart strings when you want to.
Love is blind. I can see them now.
You had me feeling for the big guy from the off.
Magical tale, magnificently told.

[Marie]

Wow! The end of this is mind-blowing. I was so afraid the poor cyclop swould wander alone all his life. I knew he wasn't a monster. And to her, I guess even having just one good eye would be great.

[sereenaoutloud]

Love the happy ending..(of course lol) The story in they poem held my interest, such a great fantasy write.
He seemed so lonely but then he found his perfect match!

[Valentine]

AWWW. this one has such a super meaning and like my dad always said, real beauty is on the inside...look into a persons heart. Great tale. Valentine

[alf]

Hi David. this runs as smooth as silk, my friend!! Loved it from first to last word and what a great story you told. Was this derived from the adage, of love being blind, I wonder?? nonetheless an tremendous write and a tremendous read!!! alf

[Barbz]

You are so multi-faceted DLP, as I saw a soft side of you, one not often expressed in your brilliance. As a follower and admirer of your works, I have become accustomed to the "Twist".....The sweet message here is that, indeed, Love is Blind.......With deep appreciation for your thoughtfulness, I am Barbz

[andrew mitchell]

David, the way you command the readers attention, the way you can make the story so creepy that the hairs rise on the back of my neck then turn it around and pacify the images with love or romance is one real talent there without saying how well it all rhymes in the process. top stuff!!

[Lyn Croker Paget]

Ah Beauty and the Beast. There is someone for everyone if you have a little faith.
Love is in the eye of the beholder.
On this special encounter a blind person has their other senses heightened and this enabled this vulnerable women to trust a kind gesture and hopefully happiness in each other.
A feel good story DLP , and a enjoyable read.
Thankyou for Sharing.