Eris

...Goddess of strife and largest known trans-Neptunian planet...

 

Image of Eris and her moon, Dysnomia, taken with the Hubble Space Telescope--see the Wikipedia article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet).  This image is from NASA and is in the public domain.

Eris

 

Oh, Eris, lonely, frozen stone

Where do we stand in thy affection?

You are so distant--

And show your distance in thy darkness

 

So cold--your manner is of ice!

And oh, strident daughter of Nyx

Your eccentricity and lawless children

Belie the love that all are owed

 

Oh you, who unsettled the Greeks

Oh you, who caused the Trojan war

Will you not come to peace with us

Will you not wipe away thy discordance?

 

Daughter of the son of Cronos and the Night

Mother of many plagues upon the Earth

Peace to thee, and rest softly in thy Mother’s arms

For the Night enfolds thee ever in Her love

 

But you have brought so many tears to Man

Perhaps better ‘ you keep thy distance!

Orbit far from us, sun and light

Disappear, then, Lady into the Night

 

 

©2015 Richard Puetter

All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

Notes:

 

Eris, the most massive, known minor planet in the solar system, is thought to be about 30% more massive than Pluto, and three times more distant, and in a highly eccentric orbit (ε=0.44, orbital period ~560 years).   There are two distinct goddesses called Eris distinguished by Hesiod.  Both are goddesses of Strife, but one being more severe than the other.  The more sinister is the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and a sister to Ares.  The less severe Eris is the daughter of The Night (Nyx) and a son of Cronos.  Eris is at the root of many of Man’s troubles.  She caused the Trojan War, and is mother to many other minor gods, all of which are associated with one hardship or another.

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Dear Rick,

Your plea to Eris to keep her distance from mankind as she has been the mother of great hardship and strife is one of wisdom as we are keenly aware of the power she holds over us! As the lesser goddess of strife, she being still a formidable foe must be to us as frozen in stone! Your analogy of this distant planet that is so massive, in its highly eccentric orbit to one of the daughters of Nxy, the goddess of the night is reason for us to bid her stay away! You ask her where we stand in her affection, though by her history, we know she looks not on much with favor. Your question is part of your fervent plea.

I find the study of mythology to be fascinating so this especially appeals to me. Your vast knowledge of Astronomy you share with us, as well as lessons of the evils of the night, and their blight on mankind.

Your plea is written with great passion and conviction! May this sinister deity heed it. May Eris continue to spin so far, far, far away from us!!

Best Regards,
Sheila

[KWP]

Thanks for the note underneath. Maybe Eris is where I get my energy from - I have been known to be a goddess of strife. My distance also holds darkness - is Eris a long lost cousin of mine?

I like this wee composition - I have learnt something today. What a great way to teach a snippet to those lacking in time.

[An owl on the moon]

Time drifts on in such darkness as your words rise through ancient mists and into the night skies that so seamlessly etch these faint lights over us, these divine spirits. I have always so deeply appreciated your poetic vibrance that is both beautiful and mindful of the world and these worlds beyond. So lifting in every way.

[Kay]

Such a profound poem with compelling elements--wonderful work! :)

[Tomás Ó C..]

Id never heard of this planet, nor its moon... or the goddesses weither... entertained and educated in one fell swoop!!! Why am I even surprosed... loved reading this...

[Latifa]

what a lovely poem! the structure of your poems always strikes me Rick, the ordor sways perfectly and freely and above all you make it look effortless with your choice of vocabulary, simple yet poignant.

[Roland Petrov]

If minor gods are all associated with one hardship or another, imagine our plight under the influence of major gods; actually, we don't have to imagine that, do we! Another nice poem for our edification.

[Brittany Zedalis]

I should say, I love all things astrology. I don't know as much about it as I wish, but maybe one day.

This is an impressive piece. I'm glad it crossed my feed, for I was not disappointed. I also like that it was educational, haha.

[Nicki]

Wow great history and great poem! I enjoyed the way it was broken into stanzas even though it didn't rhyme.

[weatherbee]

Your right Rick, we don't need anymore problems this side of the sun. I really enjoyed this one.
I'm not familiar with some of references, but it stop me from enjoying the piece as a whole.
Thanks for sharing Rick.
WB