I AM MEDUSA

Pre-read:

It's been both enlightening and empowering to explore the stories we were told versus the truths that were buried. I grew up loving Greek Mythology, but it wasn't until my 30's that I learned that Medusa wasn't born a monster but made one after suffering assault in Athena's temple - are you freaking kidding me!? 

Stories shape culture. Culture permits behavior. For too long, our stories have been filtered through voices that never experienced our truths.

This poem is my rebellion against narratives that shame women for others' actions. It's time we reclaim our stories, wear our "monstrous" power proudly, and turn the gaze back on those who would rather see us silent than sovereign.

Poem:

I know to some 

That when my name is spoken 

The syllables hiss from their lips 

Acid rising in their chest 

Hot spit spraying from their mouths 

As they boast the story 

Of the split tongue serpent woman 

I know to some 

They see me as a monster 

Convinced my heart is just like my gaze 

Cold 

Merciless 

Turns them into stone 

I know to some 

They know me as terrifying 

Only on a mission 

To lure them in with my snake like hair 

Coil around their fragile bodies 

Just to sink my teeth into them in the end 

I know to some 

They know that even when my head 

Was taken from my body 

The blood that drips 

From my bodiless head 

Still turns the lush green vines 

Of earth below 

Into concrete 

A reminder 

That after death 

I am still the bane of men and the living 

This story to some 

May free their minds 

From being bold enough 

To lift their heads 

And see the truth 

Waiting for them 

In the pupils of my eyes 

They are so fearful to lock with 

Because the truth is 

I was a priestess with flowing hair

Before fingers that were not mine

Claimed my body as trophy

Before my cries echoed 

Through Athena's temple

And somehow I became 

The one to bear punishment

Even now, millennia later

When women speak their truth

They call us snakes 

They say "be careful of that one"

When all we've done

Is refuse to carry shame

That never belonged to us

So yes, I'll wear these serpents proudly

Crown myself with the very power

They meant to shame me with

Let my gaze be piercing truth

That turns lies to stone

Because the truth is 

I was seeking refuge 

I was seeking a temple 

I was seeking a sanctuary 

Where I may drop to my knees 

And pray at the altar 

Of coming back home 

To remember my name again 

I am Medusa 

I am Medusa 

I am Medusa