Dear Artemis

This week's prompt at Gooseberry Gardens was "Nature, Forests, Rivers, and Mountains". My response is at the bottom.  First, a little background info:

             Artemis is the goddess of hunting, wild animals and forests. She is also considered the protectress of young children, women, animals, and the weak--as well as the goddess of transitions and sudden death. Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo who is often associated with Moon and silver since it was believed that she wore silver costumes and had a silver chariot and came out in moonlit nights. The name "Artemis" is derived from the Greek word "artemes" which means healthy and energetic and who also serves as the source of strength and vitality for other people.

                 •The last wish or demand that she had was to give her all the mountains on Earth so that she could live on any one of them. She was the first woman to place her opinions openly and to claim equality with men, especially her brother and father. The character of Artemis represents an indifferent woman of free spirits who defies all the norms of female archetype of being submissive, humble and restrained. She is carefree and denies being a victim of all these norms and prejudices. She establishes her freedom and equality from a very early age.


By Poushali Ganguly

Dear Artemis

I still haven't forgiven your precious mountains

or the sleet and snow

or you

I still haven't forgiven that vengeful tarot card

or the empty chairs

or God

I still haven't forgiven that spot of highway

or the maniacal elements

or myself

So, Artemis, take your beloved woodland and cover

  vulnerable creatures with your wings

upon forest floor

While I, Mortal, journey through decaying foliage
hunting for arrows
you left behind