The sea breeze upon our skin and scales,
and they serenaded each other with wit.
Cadmus talked about his bygone days
travelling across the oceans with his kin,
seeking out his lost sister. He was mortal.
Harmonia spoke of growing up in the halls
of a palace long since ash. She was a Goddess.
It always struck me as odd when Gods
allowed their immortal progeny to marry
mortals. It almost always ended in heartache.
But if the Olympians had not granted Harmonia’s wish,
she would have wandered Earth and sky
with a broken heart, driven to despair.
Hermes regaled us with tales of his travels.
None, I noticed, of his family at Olympus.
As for me, when they finally turned my way,
I had nothing to offer them. So, I gave them
instead, the only thing I could.
A thought I had been too afraid to even say aloud.
“I am on a quest to know my destiny.
I want to know what I am here for.”
The Caduceus
At my declaration, Hermes turned
to Cadmus and Harmonia.
‘It is time.’ The two slowly rose,
serpent heads moving hypnotically.
Hermes had put a polished, oak staff
between them. ‘Prometheus’ last gift,’
he said softly, his eyes on the staff.
Our uncle of invention punished for his rebellion.
