Jupiter's Revenge by Lyle Berry

In Greek mythology, the Titan, Prometheus, stole fire from the god Jupiter (Zeus) and gave it to his creation mankind. This was reputedly to enable men to be superior to the other creatures, upon whom his brother Epimetheus had earlier bestown all the other strengths to give them prowess. Jupiter wanted to eradicate man and replace him with something better and was not a fan of Prometheus. At one point in their history, Prometheus angered Jupiter by some flagrant act and the King of the Gods placed Prometheus in chains on a high cliff with vultures (or eagles depending upon which story you like) to eat his liver, which regenerated over and over so he could relive the agony...

Jupiter’s Revenge

Arise, proud Prometheus!
You hurled your fetters
from the cliffs of Kaukasos
and spit in the vulture’s jaundiced eyes.
You suffered long the ire of Jupiter
but persevered.
You are no supplicant of the Heavens,
but the Creator of Man
and the Giver of Fire.
The Father of Civilization!

Arise, wise Prometheus!
You were not deceived by Pandora
or her Box
as was foolish Epimetheus –
prodigal of resources.
Only Hope lay hidden
at the bottom of her largess.
But you – you gave us Fire!
Fire to kiln bronze and iron – steel!
Fire to forge swords, muskets and cannon.
Fire that spawned technology
to fabricate battleships and tanks,
war planes and missiles –
reactors!
fission!
fusion!
atomic bombs!

Arise, mighty Prometheus!
but bow your hoary head
and lament Jupiter’s revenge –
the fruition of your gift
from flickering campfires
to nuclear holocaust.

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Jupiter's Revenge
by Lyle Berry (Age: 61)
copyright 08-27-2001

Age Rating: 18 to 127

Prose-n-Poetry.com

Jupiter's Revenge by Lyle Berry (Age: 61) copyright 08-27-2001 Age Rating: 18 to 127

Jupiter's Revenge
by Lyle Berry (Age: 61)
copyright 08-27-2001

Age Rating: 18 to 127