Becoming Medusa
People tell me I have this sense of self that radiates off me like silk spun with moonlight, but I am just a girl lost in her own eyes.
You look at me. I am a plain face you will soon forget and, in judging my flaws, your gaze slips. My eyes latch onto yours. You grasp the bone of my eye sockets and plunge into my eyes.
You fall into tropical water that pulsates with the heartbeat of my being. Your body is drowning in aquatic sensation. Undulating sand lit with the essence of sunshine overwhelms your pores. Dance of soul drags you down. Briefly you drown.
Salt crusts to your flesh as air floods your lungs. I am still staring. I am still watching. I am the shadow behind the door you desecrated.
Enraptured by my eyes, you do not see me, but I am glad because I am black and white. I exist in the grey, in the shadows between colorful lives. You call me dull, but I am bursting. I am alive.
I reject the poison of your color wheel being. Sense of self ripples off me. Sea foam at my ankles and galaxy for hair, I embrace the parts of me that mirrors the night sky reflected in an afternoon ocean. Through these eyes, I see the world.
Photo by Antônia Felipe
BrittnyLee
This is a great read, so visually appealing.
– lost in my eyes,
a greyish blue haze.
Lost in translation,
lost in the circumstance of traffic,
bustling beeps and rusty signs
My eyes pulled me down deeper.
Looking glass, frighten me white
I can’t see the pupils in my lifeless orbs.
Where have I gone?
When did I succumb to this?
– Jaya, you’re such an inspiration to me. Keep writing your beautiful pieces always my friend ❤️💞☺️
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! I just love your stunning poetic response!
BrittnyLee
Aw thank you, Jaya! I enjoy playing with words and responding like this. It’s so much fun and such a relief from the monotony in a day haha 😂. Adulting. Ugh 😫😩 Whoever thought of it ?!
I’d rather be with trees
, climbing with a song
dancing barefoot on oak limbs
I’d rather fall
on the soft tufts of grassy fields
than on the mute, solid cement
Pounding pavement,
dissing the greens,
doesn’t appeal to me.
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
And I see the world through your eyes.
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
This is such an interesting piece! I was actually just rereading the myth of Medusa very recently, as there’s a book out later this year that supposed to be a retelling of it, so this was really intriguing. Thanks for sharing Jaya!
Jaya Avendel
Love that you enjoyed this piece!
Aspen Hite
FANTASTIC! Medusa is one of my faves. I used to be afraid of her. Now I am intrigued by her. I love this ‘version’ of her. You have such a magical way with words!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing this, Aspen!
Daily Poetry
A wonderful tale about a statue. I never looked it at it this way. If it were thinking it could indeed believe that about us.
Jeff Flesch
Your talent for evoking vivid imagery full of luscious contexts are always so enriching and inspiring. The eyes behold the depths of the cosmos, and you have brought this to life. Amazing, Jaya!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Jeff! I so loved reading your words today.
Jeff Flesch
I’m so happy this is so; you’re welcome, Jaya! Always.
D. Wallace Peach
Wow, Jaya. I just loved this! Such beautiful imagery and power in those eyes. Gorgeous.
Jaya Avendel
Love that you felt the magic of the eyes, Diana!
theusedlife
Beautiful and provocative imagery!
Ingrid
I’m fascinated by the character of Medusa, so I really enjoyed this poem, and I love your conclusion, especially ‘I reject the poison of your color wheel being.’
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Ingrid!
Corinne
Such an emotive piece of reading. I enjoy this style!
Corinne x
Her Digital Coffee
Wow, this is absolutely incredible. It’s so descriptive and I can see and feel every single emotion. Beautiful work as always!
Caroline
Wow, this is such an emotive piece of writing! x
Lauren
I don’t know anything about Medusa’s story so this was really interesting. You have written such a great piece. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
Nancy Richy
You say you are plain face; of that I would not know. All I see is the beauty of your mind. Glorious piece of writing! 🌹
Jaya Avendel
Why, thank you for this amazing comment, Nancy!
Becky
wow, such a wonderful piece of writing! Really emotional too.
readandreviewit1
Oh I love this Jaya! Your imagery is always so beautiful and there are so many wonderful lines here. I especially love the final paragraph. Thank you so much for sharing xx
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Ceri!
Jenny in Neverland
Wonderful piece! I’ve always been fascinated by the tale of Medusa. She’s such an endearing character.
Lisa
I read a retelling of the Medusa story recently and was struck by how everything that happened to her was not her fault at all. This was beautifully written, Jaya, thank you 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Medusa, Lisa!
Merry
When I learned about Greek myths many years ago, I was always intrigued by the story of Medusa. Your writing is so beautiful, I always admire your wordplay!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so very much, Merry!
Heidi Bruaw
So beautifully written! I always enjoy reading your writing and this was no exception.
barbaraleaver
I love your expression of innermost feelings – a plain face that can be soon forgotten but the eyes show the world.
Jaya Avendel
Yes! Love that you felt the juxtaposition.
haoyando
Beautiful image of self confidence.
Charity
Wow this is so beautifully written! Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoyed reading it
Cassa Bassa
You captures her essence. A very enjoyable read.
Jodie | That Happy Reader
Wow! I will never look at Medusa the same. Such vivid imagery Jaya that it saddens me.
Jaya Avendel
wOW, Jodie, what a fabulous comment! Thank you.
Stephanie
WHOA. This blew me away. Medusa has always been fascinating to me and the correlations here are just so incredible. The wordplay is intoxicating! You’re so insanely talented.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as an insightful reader, Stephanie!
Melissa Kacar
“I exist in the grey, in the shadows between colorful lives” is such a gorgeous line. I absolutely love the story you are telling through this, I can feel how much meaning there is behind every word! Thank you for sharing this! Beautiful photo choice too!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so very much, Melissa!
Jacqui Murray
You always make me think.
Michele Lee
A provocative and captivating write, Jaya. 💖
Daphny Aqua
You’re words just brought grey to life, Jaya. A poignant one this is. ❤️
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for this lovely read, Daphny!