Mother Medusa

Poetry by Sophia Hendrix First Place

“Villain,” they called her. “Monster” before “woman.” Before “victim.” Before “mother.” Who made that choice? Who said what her identity would be? What the image in a mind would be when her name was spoken? A woman who was a victim or a survivor. Another who was scorned or upset or maybe just protective But who were both seen as the villains. Both seen as the ones who had a problem. So when the protector said, “Here, take these snakes for hair. Take these eyes that will turn a man to stone.” The woman said she would go away and find a place of solitude. But man found her and said, “Villain. Monster.” And made her a mother but never called her mother.