Rarely Tempted Again

13 April 2026

https://poems.culturing.net/2026/04/13/rarely-tempted-again/

The mad goddess slumbers, takes a nap
and falls out of her chair, spilling ecstasy
everywhere. She was the one they were
waiting for, the one whose time had come.
But in time she arose and spoke:
You have all been fools for love.
I have come to instruct you, and chastise
your violent and childish desires. I have come
so that you too may come to your senses.
Real love is not easy, but counterfeits
never ask anything, or else ask everything,
and give nothing in return. Real love is a give-and-take
between equals. You know this, but still
you are tempted to disrepute. Let me
live and awaken within you, and you
will not only be strengthened. With fear
of me, you will rarely be tempted again.

The Hero rose and asked: But how
could we dare not be tempted?
She answered: You will know better.