Heart of Mount Ida

The reflections of Oenone.

Over the wail
of the wandering wind,
I heard them come,
heard their burdened
steps approach.

The flickering fire
burned fierce and warm.
But my body was cold,
numb and detached
from mind.

He called to me
in sweet velvet tones,
"Pity me, my lady,
do not let me die
at your feet."

Body broken and weak,
his life near spent,
I was his one hope.
But bitterness filled
my heart.

"Why come here?
You shunned this path
for love of her so fair.
Away with you! Let her
be your healer!"

Tears of anger
fell from my eyes
as I collapsed to the hearth.
Love and bitterness consumed
my thoughts.

My heart and mind
were at violent war,
to spurn or offer aid.
Moments felt like hours held
in time.

At length I resolved
to offer salvation,
my heart not of stone.
But laments of the bearers
told his fate.

My body shook
as the pile was lit.
Anguish swallowed my senses.
Bitterness had fled and love
rekindled strong.

No pain was felt
as I leapt upon the pile,
clasping his body to mine.
Through fire, we were joined
in burning release.

Reviews

[Circe]

I can really feel the heat in this poem, and something romantic from the fire, like a moment on a mountain of your journey where two lovers chose to save each other.

[just is]

Such a wonderful right, kind of sad and dark. But enjoyed it.

[pinpen]

Deep and intriguing. I could feel the emotions pour out.