Labyrinth Of Pandora

Labyrinth Of Pandora
© Surazeus
2025 02 02

Dust on the cracked window of the wood house 
distorts dim shadow of late afternoon 
to speckle light on blank walls of desire, 
imperfect reflection twisting soft words 
in metal hangers reluctant to show 
what illusions stiff doors pretend to hide. 

Inestimably wonderful gift of fear 
slithers softly under locked doors of hope 
to erode silence with steady despair 
unrelated to arrogance of old books 
where ghosts of heroes lie in unread words 
to never flutter curtains stained with blood. 

If Achilles leads his time-crippled horse 
through labyrinth of Pandora to conceal 
innocent anguish of broken road signs, 
he might remember why his mother smells 
like ripe cantaloupe on silver beach sand 
each time he reaches out his startled hand. 

Washing porcelain plates in metal sink, 
Pandora hums while sparrows in elms tweet, 
wipes hands dry on apron of faithfulness, 
then sets cup of coffee with careful hands 
on round table by the leather armchair 
where Achilles reads news about the war. 

Cupping her hips with his spear-hurling hand, 
Achilles pulls Pandora on his lap 
and nibbles her ear under curly hair, 
then whispers, "My heart swells with pleasant love 
that I chose calm domestic life with you 
than painful death for everlasting fame." 

"Better to serve in Heaven of your heart," 
Achilles moans as his strong hands explore 
secrets of her soul, "than to reign in Hell 
with lots of angry men instead of you." 
Pandora gasps as he opens her box 
and fills her emptiness with beams of light. 

Holding hands and blushing with sweet romance, 
Achilles and Pandora stroll together 
down busy market streets past vendor stalls, 
laugh as they try on sunglasses and hats, 
then eat noodles with eggs while children watch 
Proteus presenting cute puppet shows. 

While they are watching bright fireworks display, 
Achilles feels prick of pain in his heel 
and stares at Paris as he slips away 
who stabbed him with sharp needle on his boot, 
then falls and writhes in agony from poison 
in arms of Pandora who cries in shock.