We visited the Temple of Zeus in Olympia on my trip to Greece in 2019. It’s hard to believe I’m already coming up on two years since that vacation. I felt like a kid exploring those ruins. I was obsessed with Greek mythology in middle school.
Funny though, Zeus was never one of my favorite gods. But of course, he’s the one everyone always hears about. Sure, the Disney version in Hercules was fine. Kind of funny and sympathetic in his love for his son. The myths’ version though? Always sounded like such a tool. And yet, standing at the temple erected in his honor at the Olympia ruins, I felt that audacity. I finally understood what it is about Zeus that makes him such a lasting figure.
Below is the full poem I wrote inspired by that moment, standing before the ruins of his temple.
Strap on the sandals and fly
down the lane toward the end
of the plain, that wide open green
left and right straight up into
baby blue sky. Run with the wind
as it calls out your name, promising
only glory and fame. Run with the gods
just out of their sight. Run through
the day and into the night. Run with
the thunder, run with the rain. Run
as though you’ll never feel pain.
Originally posted on my Instagram here.
Find more travel poetry here.
Love this! Also, you should check out Blood of Zeus on Netflix if you haven’t yet.
oooh hadn’t heard of it. will check it out. thanks!