Achilles

One of the first official poems I’ve written. Part of the four poems I had to write in my “Intro to Poetry and Creative Workshop” my sophmore year at the University of Maryland.

Achilles

Aisles and aisles, rows and rows.

The first he only knows as landmass, the second as a sailing maneuver.

But these standard divisions are there to hold and display,

Be it breakfast cereal, condiment, cold cut, or cream.

 

The mortals gazed equally bewildered. What brings this stoic

Weapon-wielding deity to this supermarket?

A young boy, not eight years of age, sneaks behind to tug on our warrior’s belt.

Yet his throat is met swiftly by the tip of a sword.

 

But even the greatest killer can quickly correct a mistake in the eyes of innocence.

He bends down to the young boy – confused but impressed.

“Do you want to be remembered as a hero or as a coward?”

The boy stares blankly at such a question.