The Artist

You, who light the way in Greece,

Son of a graceful thunder; Leto and Zeus.

You, protector of Delos, builder of Delphi,

Oh, Apollo, God of art and prophecy.

Healer of man, and father of medicine,

God of sun and all sources of brilliance.

Heir of Helios and brother of Artemis,

All kneel and pray before your greatness.

You, who seemed so mature in four days,

Avenged your mother, and took praise.

You, who claimed the throne with a play,

Killed the corrupt, each in a different way.

Burned Icarus’s wings for his vanity,

Butchered Marsyas for his blasphemy.

Embarrassed Midas for his idiocy,

And cursed Cassandra’s prophecy.

Yet, your warmth never faded,

Even when you cursed and plagued.

Both men and women fell for you,

Oh, Apollo, all praise be to you.