Celaeno: a poem

Celaeno first appeared in the Spring 2001 issue of Spellbound, a quarterly fantasy magazine for children ages 9-13. Each issue had a “featured creature” — ghosts, goblins, yeti, tricksters — and for Spring 2001 the theme was “Griffins and other Winged Creatures.” I ditched the griffins and went for a darker other.

Celaeno

Once we were angels.
By Zeus, we soared, my sisters and I,
Glistering, Phoebus-bright.
Now, even a gorgon outshines, or a griffin,
Ever vigilant, heraldic.
Yes, keep your distance and you may still mistake me.

But come closer, (Snip snip)
And see, (Slice slice)
I’m not what you think.
Ah, caught your breath, you knock-kneed trembler.
Yes, I will not be mistaken.

What is it they call us?
Scavengers? Vultures? Those who seize?
Go ahead, say it.
Harpy.
The very name is spite.
We cannot help our carrion ways.

I am winter wind,
Famine and fury.
I come at you, talons raised, stench breath of gutter tempests,
But wings spread to remind you
That once we were beautiful.

Do not tremble, (Snip snip)
See? (Slice slice)
These razors are not for you.
I shed this feathered splendor,
This angelic cancer from my blades.
Pinioned, no more beauty to scar me,
I will not be mistaken.

I will not miss flight,
Not miss my path through nimbus skies.
You see, from bloody shoulders
They will grow back as always.
Glistering.
More beautiful than before.

©2001 Robin Catesby