Eros

This poem is based on the Ancient Greek myth of Eros (the equivalent of the Roman cupid) A tale of how he fell in love with a mortal and was eventually betrayed by her. It made me wonder if he has his revenge on mortal lovers today- that's the basis for the poem.


I am no cherubin
No Winged babe
Or seraphim.

I am the string-puller
The plot-stirrer
And I hold the mortal heart
In one hand.

Why leave lovers
To find symmetry
When I long to play
My games?

I am Eros, though no bow
And arrows have I.

The lonely call my name
But wishes are a peril
And when I am gone
Or just pass you by,
The fast beating of hearts
The smoke in your eye.

I dabble, I gamble with sanity
And may often break a heart.

Weak mortal hopes
Are sport
But tiresome,
So in the dark
When night is creeping
Take the lamp
And watch me sleeping.