In the matters of affection I am but a coward

the mere presence of a woman causes my spine to slither 

away from me, like a putrid serpent across the bossom 

of Mother Gaia

Over and over agaon my Kin advise me

upon ways to remedy this ailment

tis advice that would do me good if

i not already knew the venom that hid

behind their words

With minds like that Lord Xerxes

upon the cliffs of the hot gates

they wish not to help me only

to watch me and others fall 

into an inferno of pain and loss

for their own sick amusement

But what am i to do

am i doomed to wonder this mortal

plane living with a heart that is to freeze

solid because i am to frightened of my

own self so much so as to find someone

to warm it

or am i to follow these villianous teachings

and as a result live out the life i shall

be given on the immortal plane in a place

that will never know cold nor warmth

Lady Aphrodite why

oh why do you torture

my very soul

Why instead of you gifts do you

bestow upon me the sons you sired

with Ares

Sons who now have triumphed 

in the battle to control

my spirit, soul, and heart