Phaedra IV

Hippolytus trains on the sea-packed sand
the image of his father, young once more
and Phaedra burns to touch his lips or hand
propriety and passion waging war
to save the hero, Ariadne died
her doom was tied up in that ball of string
and so her sister stood in as his bride
to reign in Athens when he should be king
Poseidon granted Minos one white bull
on Theseus he showered wishes three
however sweet such gifts might be to mull
the outcome's bitter in reality
where goddesses contend, it's we that die
no earthly ethics bind them in the sky