Arethusa Poem by gershon hepner

Arethusa, when pursued
by a river god, became
a fountain, since she wondered who’d
record the story of her shame
if she succumbed to lust, and knew
that if she didn’t she’d become
immortal. That is why she blew
a chance to have great fun. How dumb!

Inspired by lines from the tenth collection of poetry by Allen Grossman, “Descartes’ Loneliness, ” reviewed by Alexander Nemser in TNR, November 19,2008. The speaker speaks, seeking his muse:

Where are you, sister, word-giver—shining
among what wonder roots, what wet shadows?
Unvitiable source, kiss my morning man.
Arethusa, kiss my wordless animal
on his mountain, stone-alone,
standing around.
Arethusa, where are you.


11/10/08