Harpy

Later, dignifying monuments,
carved on obelisks of sorrow:
composed, compassionate,
allaying the oldest of all fears.
Earlier, an image of that fear,
sister to Sphinx and Siren
as bringer of sudden death,
sardonic mocker …
Earlier still, circling kraters
in company with panthers, doves,
an irrepressible glee
brimming in dark wide eyes
celebrating, withholding,
the lost story of its origins.