Caryatids

It could have been
the temple of Apollo,
more surely that of Athena
or maybe an even greater god

with female figures draped
in royal cloth somewhere in Sparta
supporting the entablature
dedicated to a god.

Set in rows like the porch
at the temple of Erechtheum
at the Acropolis, but facing out
as if every single one
was standing alone
carrying a frieze around the top,
carrying the weight of the world.

Dedication plastered on beautiful faces,
without joy or any other emotion
woman was making man
forming him in a ancient mould
and taking him to the heights
that he could reach.

Standing as the foundation,
carrying him from birth,
ever caring and nurturing
dedicated to help him rise
to where destiny demands.

poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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