General Poetry posted August 18, 2023


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The final journey

Asphodel Meadows

by CD Richards

 

While heroes crave Elysium

Tartarus is more fit for some

Since neither bad nor good I be

Asphodel meadows beckon me

 

Sometimes I'm Jekyll, sometimes Hyde

But then, today, both of them died

My time has come, the gods decree

Asphodel meadows beckon me

 

Please place an obol in my mouth

Ere I commence my journey south

For I must pay old Charon’s fee

Asphodel meadows beckon me

 

I know you seek a higher plane

It seems to me you hope in vain

I’ll meet you when your soul’s set free

Asphodel meadows beckon me

 




Myth, Legend or Fairy Tale writing prompt entry
Writing Prompt
Write a poem about a myth, legend or fairy tale. Any type of poem is acceptable. No rules concerning length, meter or rhyme, other than it must be poetry, not prose.

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Image credit: Courtney Kenady / Unsplash


Some explanation may be required:

This is a poem based on ancient Greek mythology concerning death and the afterlife.

Elysium: A paradise reserved for gods, heroes and the bravest and noblest humans. Also known as Elysian fields.

Tartarus: A place of eternal torment, reserved for the Titans, after their defeat by the gods of Olympus, and the very worst of evildoers.

Asphodel meadows: Not as desirable as Elysium, but far preferable to Tartarus. This is the final destination for the majority of humans who are neither outstandingly good, nor excessively evil.

Obol: A coin.

Charon: The ferryman, charged with transporting the departed across the river Styx from the land of the living to the land of the dead. This service requires a fee, hence the ritual of placing a coin in the mouth of the deceased in preparation for their arrival in the underworld. If this fee is not paid, the departed must walk the banks of the river for 100 years.
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