Sunday, June 10, 2007

Prometheus

Prometheus was one of the sons of Uranus (sky) and Gaia (earth). He took pity on the children of men because they lived in darkness, dwelling for the most part in mountainside caves. Prometheus stole the fire of the gods and gave it to humanity. His gift brought light to their lives and ushered in an age of human innovation. Fire gave man the ability to read, but it also gave him the means to forge weapons. These developments were not pleasing to the gods. In retribution, Zeus had Prometheus chained to a stony crag on Caucasus. Every day, an eagle would come to Prometheus and feast on his liver. Since Prometheus was immortal, this punishment was eternal. (Eventually Hercules took pity on Prometheus and came to his rescue...but that's another story.)

Sure we pray for peace
as if taking the easy way
was ever in our nature.
Gaia's a tough old broad
with a mean right jab
but didn't she have a time
deposing Chaos.

Sure we pray for peace--
while underneath we're Titans
slugging it out in the mud.
The gods smelled trouble
the day the fire went out,

and Prometheus still stinks
in our mirrors.