A Bad Rap For Thetis
by Gary Geddes
What can I say that you don’t already
know? My marriage to the mortal Peleus
was not a whim, or a moment of passion,
but something in the bones that told me
this union was important, foreordained
by the gods. I knew nothing of genetics,
or that the half-mortal issue of my loins
would create a deep, open wound, render
me vulnerable. Some claim I released
Zeus from his chains, took refuge
with Diomedes in a bed of seaweed,
and refused to save a boy from drowning
in a shipwreck. These are mostly lies.
I’ll admit to some shape-shifting to avoid
capture, the goddess of water testing
other elements, taking on fiery shapes,
winging it, using ground-breaking measures
to achieve my ends. These were the perks
of immortality that I wanted for my son
Achilles when I dipped him into the briny
waters of the Styx. Who would have thought
the thumb and forefinger that held him
by the heel underwater would have created
a weakness that led to his death and mine
and changed the course of history. Divine
intervention is no mere literary device,
my friends. If you should see me depicted
riding the sea nymph Hippokampos, Achilles’
shield in my right hand, or choose to believe
the lament of the kingfisher that I cut off
the fish supply as a result of petty displeasure,
don’t be too judgmental. Remember,
a mother is bound to mourn, the oysters
I bring to banquets are tastier than truffles
and the poet Apollo played at my wedding,
his honeyed lyrics blessing all creation.
Gary Geddes has written and edited more than 45 books and won a dozen literary awards, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize (Americas Region), the Lt.-Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence and the Gabriela Mistral Prize from the government of Chile. His most recent poetry books are Skaldance, Falsework and Swimming Ginger. He’s also the author of Drink the Bitter Root: A search for justice and healing in Africa. He lives on Thetis Island, British Columbia.