Father’s Child by Colleen Anderson
FATHER’S CHILD
Athena’s Choice
From within—fearless Metis opened her thighs
in blood she birthed me
then fed me milk and words
Metis told me he had swallowed us
hoping to keep our wisdom
she was content to wait and plan
knew I would do as I choose
And so I chose
he could not swallow destiny
and I battled with words
speared his every thought
knowing full well my power
in my father
He conceived an idea, words, a gender
tried to swallow the counsel of women
tried to digest me before I opposed
I did not spring from his head
More my anger boiled too long
that brought my release
I countered until I won my way
out he called for Hephaestus
bright ingenious Hephaestus
who swung his mighty axe
split the head of Zeus in two
Out of that duality
I strode forth
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