Prayer to Artemis

[redrover]

hail Artemis, mistress of the wilds
whose arrow arcs across the sky
and strikes true

maiden huntress, daughter of Leto
i see you there
running bare-legged through the brush on silent feet
bathing in untended springs
climbing rugged hilltops with dogs at your heels

midwife, watcher and slayer of children,
your laughter is the sound of the wind-creaking winter trees
beating time for a song only you hear,
leaves dancing across the ground

hanged one, light-bringer, she who loved Orion dear,
what can i offer to you
the wild waters are unmatched by wine
the deer at your feet far better than the fat of any cattle
your campfires burn more brightly than an altar's flame

accept my song
as it lives and dies for you.

- Dec 2017