The Boy and the Oracle

In a darkened cavern in the center of Delphi,
There arose a sweet smelling mist;
It wafted around the Oracle princess
And pinkened her cheeks with a psychic kiss.

A young man bowed before the princess,
A smooth faced lad no more than a boy,
The Oracle said, “You’ll take what you came for,
But what you get, will not bring joy.”

These ominous words did not phase him--
From his sheath he snatched his sword,
He smote the Oracle guards behind him,
Saying “I do this for my Lord!”

The Oracle, calm, unmoved by the carnage,
Inhaled the vapors which held her trance;
The young man grabbed her, saying, “My Lady,
Let’s take leave while there’s still chance!”

Outside the cavern, the boy’s own soldiers
Clad the woman in manly garb,
But before escape could happen,
The lady was seen by city guards.

A fight ensued in deadly proportions
The lad took the Lady and they did flee,
Into the hills--outside of Delphi,
He said “My Lady, now thou art free.

“My Lord will be so proud and pleased
When his beloved, to home I bring;
I’ll prepare a place to rest now
Lady, fetch water from yonder spring.”

The boy was joyous with his triumph,
As water to his lips he raised;
He’d be honored throughout his kingdom,
His name to be forever praised.

***

The boy lie dying, on the hillside.
The scent of hemlock on his last breath.
The life of an Oracle was what she wanted,
Enough to cause her own son’s death.