Orion

The breeze called to Orion, "Take all that you possess,

and offer to the great gods of the sky.

You are the mighty hunter, and love the Star Princess,

without your love her light will fade and die."

"Go fetch your bow and arrow, your belt of gems so bright,

and one more gift, far greater than the rest,

Then you shall live forever, in the velvet of the night,

and see your love in silver starlight dressed."

Orion climbed the highest cliffs, and reached up to the sky,

flung bow and arrow, then his jewelled belt,

But all he heard was silence, and the echo of a sigh.

What cruel trick was this the gods had dealt?

But once again the breeze called out, "You have much more than this!"

Orion searched his heart, and then he cried,

"Indeed, I have the gift of love, the memory of a kiss,

an emptiness that cannot be denied!"

As soon as he had said these words, the breeze was full of might,

and swept Orion's body high above,

Then carried him aloft into the starry, starry night,

to live forever with his queen of love:

You turn your head, as if to say, "How can this tale be true?"

I look into the mirror of your eyes.

Orion, the great Hunter, is reborn, my love, in you,

for you made me the Princess of your skies.

by

Shirley Frances Winskill 1997