helios

Broken, I sing the nereiads farewell.

helios
you are the sun and i
am broken icarus

icarus
like a wingtorn dove

helios
and your flames embrace me

icarus ( i tried to be an angel)
but your golden eye lunged
through my waxwing ruse

helios
and i lay naked before you, i
am dying

icarus.

Reviews

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

An interesting take on the story of Icarus. I am a huge lover of mythology, and this tale in particular is one of my favorites. This is a very concise piece, which I appreciate--you used the languge well.

I am wondering, however, about the transition of voice...in the beginning, you have Helios striking down Icarus (as was in the mythological tale), and then at the end, it seems almost as if the sun is laying naked before Icarus and dying--if this is intentional, I thing the concept is unique and I would just like to see it fleshed out a little more. I guess there was a lot of voice transition here, and I am just assuming that each stanza is from the POV of the entity named, i.e. Helios and Icarus...? Anyway, other than this little issue, this was a very interesting piece to read and I do love your poetic voice.

[Madison R. Forest]

Ah, yes I see there is some confusion there. The poem is actually told from Icarus' point of view, and the repeating of the names is done in a more musical manner. I am surprised by the lack of poetry regarding the story of Icarus and the Sun, there are so many ways to interpret it, and it's extremely interesting. Thank you dearly for taking the time to review my poem ♥