98. I Broke （Most of） the Rules
I Broke (Most of) the Rules
Mostly because I was bored
but, as Styx and Pallas said,
I was headstrong.
The first rule I broke
was the one about leaving
the caves. Outside,
there was a forest full of irises
and violets and roses.
I did not travel far
from the mouth of the cave,
but I did collect herbs
to crush under my mortar
and pestle to see what happened,
combining them with ambrosia
or nectar to eat and drink.
Once I turned my feet turquoise
by drinking a concoction of herbs,
and Styx had to help turn them back
to the colour they naturally were.
I took meat to Cerberus,
which my kitchen provided,
for it was blessed with the ability
to provide anything I ever needed,
each pot filled with what I desired.
I played with Cerberus all the time.
I carefully used Styx’s waters
in my strange flower potions.
I stole Styx’s wine
and even shared some
with Charon when he came by
to play dice
or tell me stories.
And still, I wanted more .
There is only so long an immortal child
can be left to her own devices.
My mother once told me that as a child
she had countless cousins to play with.
Naiads and Oceanids, water nymphs
and River Gods. But I had no playmates.
Pallas had taught me how to carve
horses and bears and wolves
out of the bones left of mortals
who had ventured too far
and ended up drinking Styx’s water.
But carving was a poor replacement
for a playmate. So I decided
one day long ago to walk
through those forbidden doors.
Not only would I talk to ghosts,
but perhaps ghosts would make
good companions.