Antigone by Lyle Berry

Antigone and sister Ismene
were the eyes of their father exiled;
Grandaughters of Jocasta and Laius -
spawn of grandmother and child.

With Oedipus banished to Colonus,
Ismene drove her uncle half wild.
“No victory” she cried “without father!”
Said the Oracle at Thebes “Reconcile!”

Creon sought the deposed King’s favor
on behalf of prince Eteocles,
but soon tired - no fruits for his labor
from begging on his royal knees.

When refused, Creon kidnapped both ladies
but Theseus gave sanctuary;
After Polynices’ entreaties
King Oedipus died and was buried.

Antigone, devoted daughter,
learned her brothers died fighting at home,
fulfilling the curse of their father.
Uncle Creon? - he’d usurped the throne.

Eteocles honors received;
Creon’s heart now turned harder than stone.
Polynices on the field left to bleed,
Antigone wouldn’t leave it alone.

She buried her beloved brother,
on the plain where he’d fallen and died
and disobeyed King Creon’s order.
“Your punishment - Death!” uncle cried.

Ismene tried to plead guilty;
she begged to share big sister’s fate.
Antigone choked “Don’t die with me!”
“I’ve made up my mind, you’re too late.”

Creon’s boy Haemon, her husband
was ordered to murder his bride.
He refused the atrocious commandment,
so she was walled in a cavern alive.

Antigone ended her misery,
hanged in a dank desert cave.
Haemon followed her closely
and soon put himself in the grave.

The cruel King’s bride Eurydice
on his sword met her swift suicide.
So much for law and authority;
Creon sacrificed family for pride.

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Antigone
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copyright 07-04-2001

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Prose-n-Poetry.com

Antigone by Lyle Berry (Age: 62) copyright 07-04-2001 Age Rating: 18 to 127

Antigone
by Lyle Berry (Age: 62)
copyright 07-04-2001

Age Rating: 18 to 127