Against All Odds
The Ballad of the Argonauts
In the face of hopelessness, they’re optimistic
That they’ll survive the violent maelstrom
But in their hearts, their chances seem unrealistic
That they’ll dodge the impending doom;
For the waves are mighty, of proportions epic
And the harrowing wind howls, a herald of gloom!
So they banded together, forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
They sailed the Argo through treacherous seas;
A group of young men, warriors and heroes
Driven by adventure; whilst searching for the fleece
Wanting to be remembered in poetry and prose!
But monsters and challenges that never cease -
None of them foresaw; from the dark ocean arose!
So they banded together, forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
They took the sails down; drew in the oars
And tied themselves lest they go overboard…
Water all around; slippery, the galley floors
But they held the rudder tight as the storm roared
Fearful to let go; and drive the Argo off-course,
As Zeus cast his bolts, and the heavens poured
And they banded together, forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
With the spray and the wind, they couldn’t see
Whatever’s in front; the horizon invisible.
They held on, hoping to steer the Argo alee,
Safely onto shore; all praying for a miracle!
But even if they’re buffeted by waves, lost at sea
They felt a mystical presence, even magical!
So they banded together, tho’ forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
One man started to sing over the sound of waves,
Crashing hard on the ship’s floorboards;
A song of rebellion against the god of graves
Soon everyone’s singing, shouting defiant words.
And in the empty expanse, where the cold sea raves
Arose the mighty anthem of resistant, feisty swords
And they banded together, forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
And the hours dragged on; soon it was dark
Still the Argo rocked in the billowy ocean
They stood by the rudder that governs the bark
But soon doubt set in; are they even in motion?
Fear crept in their eyes, for their fate is stark
Their hope for deliverance just an illusion
Still they banded together, forsaken by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
Lo! While in the abyss, flashes of light
Intermittent, coming from a distant shore!
Thrilled, they lowered the oars, left and right
And started rowing hastily as their spirits soar
In unison, they pushed the Argo with all their might
Mindful of the rocks, just above the ocean floor
So they banded together, challenged by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors, against all odds!
An eternity passed; they entered a haven
Worn out, exhausted but serene and grateful
Zeus sheathed his thunderbolts, quieted heaven
Poseidon calmed the waves, but Hades resentful!
They celebrated, by the gods they felt forgiven
Adventure awaits, for their mission’s rightful
They banded together, at last favored by the gods
A brotherhood of warriors who beat the odds!
08-09-2016
© Vic A Evora...
As a child I have always been fascinated with Greek mythology - the adventures of gods and heroes. The tale of Jason and the band of Greek young men and warriors which included Heracles (Hercules) in search of the Golden Fleece had a special appeal to me.
When I was a young man in university, it just so happened that I joined a fraternity called Tau Alpha which stood for "The Argonauts" and so the tale of Jason and the crew of the Argo gained further significance.
The above poem is a ballad about my childhood heroes.
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