PROLOGUE
The poem explores the myth of Cupid and Psyche from Psyche’s perspective, highlighting her struggles with beauty and love. Psyche, admired yet isolated, consults Apollo’s oracle and confronts her fate, marrying a mysterious being shunned by others. Despite initial despair and a promise to not see her husband’s face, her curiosity leads to his departure when she glimpses his beauty. Determined to reunite, she seeks Aphrodite’s help, facing four trials, with the last resulting in her downfall due to curiosity. Ultimately, Psyche awakens to find joy and love, achieving her long-awaited happiness after the trials.
The Love Of Psyche
Beauty is the woe I bear in my heart
a misfortune worthy of disparage.
Praises, admirations, it did impart
but scared away suitors seeking marriage.
Upon consulting Apollo’s oracle,
At the mountain top, my destiny awaited.
There my fated lover who wasn’t mortal
but a monster that both gods and men hated.
Dressed in black and left at the mountain summit,
a wedding pomp like a funeral procession.
Filled with despair, my happiness did plummet
as fears spiraled me into a depression.
But soon I did see a beautiful house,
all decked out in luxurious splendor;
There we met where you took me as your spouse;
You only came after the sun surrendered.
You made me promise not to look at your face
but I curiously peeked by the candlelight.
Startled and angry, you stormed off our place
when I saw your beauty the first time that night.
My search for you led me to Aphrodite
where I must passed four tests to see you again.
The first three were aided by the gods almighty,
while the fourth I failed as Fate did portend.
I was to return with Persephone’s beauty
which was to be obtained in a small chest;
Curiosity again got the best of me;
The chest’s content put me into a deep rest.
A gorgeous face I saw was the next thing I knew
when my eyes opened after all that disaster.
Words couldn’t describe the joy to be held by you;
I had found my happily ever after.
