Spotting Cassiopeia

A piece about the Ethiopian Queen, Cassiopeia of Greek mythology.

Even in thy humbled rest,
Your beauty is sought from the ground;
A dragging Sun is hurried west,
To bring night with wondrous sound.

Though mortal feet approach you not,
A childish mind suffers the chase.
In search of you, fixed eyes burn hot,
Landing in night's northern most place.

Was it the boy, or blazing cart;
His failing Sun had kiss'd the ground.
Your kingdom ablaze and set apart,
Darkened tones to be renowned.

A lonely perch that chair must be,
Such a beauty for none to see.
As you peer from the welkin's dark,
Does a song of regret sing from heart?

Author's Note

Cassiopeia was said to have been placed in the stars after her death by Poseidon, as a punishment for her arrogance and vanity.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like the near rhyme in this...enhances the piece...i am not a big lover of mythology, but casseopeia has always fascinated me as she looks down from the sky.

nicely done.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Jacob I'm glad you were able to enjoy this piece.

[Cassie]

how Beautifully crafted this is...I absolutely enjoyed. good good job and am waiting for your message on our next project. Enjoy your day.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Cassie... You humble me still. My imaginative spark pales to you all here. I usually only have personal ideas for pieces, but if you come up with one before I do, shoot me a message. ;)

[Cassie]

I will if i come up with one have a lovely week

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Ok, you have a lovely one as well.

[Kianna]

Dear poetic heroics,

Hello, how are you doing today? I was looking through my newsfeed and saw this was the first piece on there so I thought I would take a look. I am currently in college and am studying Greek mythology in order to understand the Illiad. Therefore to see a poem about another goddess brings me glee as I find mythology to be quite fascinating.

Once I understood the context of this poem, I was able to understand it some more. I have appreciation for the title, which was cleverly put I thought since the goddess is now in the night sky. I have much more appreciation for this line, "Even in thy humbled rest/Your beauty is sought from the ground." It makes me think of how even in death she is remembered as beautiful and profound. The next two lines went smoothly and creates a nice rhythm. I like how you said the word, "sound," because it makes an acknowledgment of the poem itself, lyrics about a beautiful goddess.

I like the next two lines as well because I find it flows nicely together. The last two lines of that stanza however was a little awkwardly put I'm afraid. Even though I understand it's position and what is meant to do. There may not be a way to revise that without rewording it, so I wouldn't worry about that line much.

I like the line, "Darkened tones to be renowned," because it is another acknowledgment of the poem as a piece of literature dedicated to this goddess. The darkened tones of her life are renowned within this poem.

I absolutely love the last stanza. I think they are my favorite lines.

I say well done

98/100

Sincerely JazzSoulkeke,

God bless

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Hello, Jazz as always thank you for a wonderful review.

Just want to clear up the line "darkened tones to be renowned." That stanza is an allusion to the Greco-Roman myth of "Phaethon." It was said, that Apollo (his father), allowed him to drive his chariot across the sky. At the wish of Phaethon. He would prove himself to be ill prepared for such a task and lost control, thus dropping the sun. The sun was said to have nearly touched down in Ethiopia, thus darkening the people of said region. Zeus slew the boy with a thunderbolt to cease any further damage. So, that particular line is an allusion to the people Ethiopia (Africa). Also, I don't believe Cassiopeia is regarded as a goddess. I could be wrong though, if you find out other wise, please let me know.

Thanks again for another stimulating review. I will be looking forward to the next one.

[Kianna]

Dear poetic heroics,

My bad. I looked her up and you are right. She was a queen, not a goddess. Ah I see now the allusion and how it fits with the poem.

Sincerely JazzSoulKeke,

God bless

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks Jazz, I look forward to stopping by your page soon. I've just been a bit under the weather lately.

[Kianna]

Dear poetic heroics,

You are very welcome. Take your time. I hope you get better though and wish you good health.

Sincerely JazzSoulKeke,

God bless

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for that, Jazz.

[Shaquana Adams]

"A lonely perch that chair must be,
Such a beauty for none to see.
As you peer from the welkin's dark,
Does a song of regret sing from heart? "

This is very intelligent and beautiful. Thanks for sharing :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Shaquana I appreciate your wonderful thoughts.

[Shaquana Adams]

You're welcome :)

[Frieda P]

Stellar read my friend, discerning in it's essence. I love when I learn something new from a poet's pen...muchly enjoyed Travis.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks, Frieda I'm glad you enjoyed it, and was able to take something from it as well.

[Frieda P]

Pleasure was all mine.

[Pryde Foltz]

Though mortal feet approach you not,
A childish mind suffers the chase.
In search of you, fixed eyes burn hot,
Landing in night's northern most place.

Born of star dust with clay feet even the grandest of us. A very intelligent and graceful write, PH.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Pryde you always leave me humbled by your thoughts.