the gods are us and we are growing

Zeus sees the men who are like him and he is ashamed. He winces at the toxicity he once participated in so proudly. He learns to apologize. He is seeking help with Hera, they try out therapists and figure out how to talk to one another, he is learning.

Hera stops victim blaming. She wants to make amends to the women she has wronged. She supports survivors and raises awareness, she works on anger management, she goes to therapy with her husband, she learns how to rise above her past and brings other women with her.

Aphrodite spreads love and she is not exclusive. She sees those who are struggling to be accepted by themselves and others. She tells you that it is okay to look like you, to love the way you do, to be who you are. She helps everyone find the love they deserve, she speaks with Hephaestus and with Ares, she makes it clear what love should be.

Hephaestus splits up with Aphrodite and he is not sorry, he speaks with Hera and he is unashamed, he makes his creations and he is unapologetic. He does his work for himself and he shares it, but he is not defined by others' reactions to him. He owes the toxic people in his life nothing, he moves on, he heals.

Poseidon watches his kingdom and his heart breaks. He petitions and pleads and still his animals suffer. His waters are being ruined. He fights ignorance and apathy, he protests cruelty, he does his best.

Demeter gives to those who need. She sees those whom the system neglects and she cannot save everyone but she tries. She misses her daughter but learns to respect her decision, she is good to her son-in-law, she does not destroy with her winters. She knows the pain she has caused and she changes.

Persephone stands tall by her husband's side and does not look back. She chose this life and she will not regret it, she rules alongside Hades, she is no one's inferior. She is a benevolent influence on those around her, she spreads light to the dark she inhabits, she shines.

Athena calms her envy and her wrath. She cannot undo the hurt she has brought upon the women who have angered her, but she resolves to think before meting out punishments. Even a war goddess can practice patience. In the memory of Arachne and Medusa and Pallas, she fights a new battle, against her own nature.

Apollo reflects upon the people he has pursued and he is determined to do better. He apologizes to Daphne, to Leucates, to Castalia; he learns to judge consent. He finds a new poetry in the language of yes and I love you and yes, yes, yes.

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Poet's Statement

I've had enough of the gritty takes on modern gods who have lost themselves. I don't care that it's intended as a reflection of societal issues; they're needlessly edgy and I'm tired. We need hope more. Yes, we have problems that need to be addressed - but they can be addressed. If the ancient Greeks wanted their gods to be deeply human despite their power, I'd rather see them reflect the best parts of us than our worst. 

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BY VIOLET AUSTEN, AKA ASTRAEA