The Soul and the Goal

Fighting conflicts in my despairing heart

Memory ripping into different thoughts

Generous jabs conquer the work of art

Stabbing visits shortly amongst the shots

The window glares at me, bearing its teeth

Bowing slowly as not to upset it

Throwing aside bloody freezing sword sheath

Cower I must avoid until I hit

Falling into the jail of killer dirt
Digging quickly with cupped bleeding fingers
Snoozing above as it slumbers unhurt
The fight rising within that which lingers

The thoughts sometimes consume the soul
Alas I must begin running the goal

I Am Antigone! Hear My Dead Voice!

Dear Haemon,

I, Antigone, do believe that I have done right by burying my beloved brother, Polynices, properly. It is the law of the gods! They may strike us down in a moment! We must remember that "We have only a little time to please the living, But eternity to love the dead" (129). What is a simple transgression against the soil if it means being paid in full for it after death? And please do recall, living without burying Polynices would be to "defy the holiest laws of heaven" (129). Why must we fear a simple man of soil when the gods are what rule us? We must fight for the will of the gods. It is only what can be done if you want to live a happy eternity. I will stand at no man's feet and plead for my life over my actions. In the end, he will have no say in my eternity. 

Furthermore, Polynices may have betrayed Thebes, but he will always be my blood. Look deep at the past of the story of my blood. “How we who are left must suffer for our father, Oedipus” (126). How much suffering do you wish Ismene and I to bare? Even though Ismene is as simple as every woman in Thebes, I know it caused her great sorrow to know Polynices would be denied a proper burial. I do not agree with her obeying the law of the land over the law of the gods, and I will not be swayed from my decisions. Polynices was my brother! My last brother! With "father and mother lost, where would I get Another brother?" (150). You must understand my issue! I could get another husband, or another son, but to receive another brother at this point is impossible. 

But alas, do not pity me! It was my own decision. I will receive my consequences with honor. Honor from the gods. Let it be known, that I would never have changed anything. By the time you read this, dear Haemon, I will be dead. But you must remember, it is what I needed to do. "If this [ban on my brother's burial] is God's will, I shall learn my lesson In death" (150).I do not possess a care in the world that would change my mind as of this moment. All I care to know, is that dear Polynices is buried properly and will receive his proper standing in heaven. You will find other fields to plow, so you mustn't be sad. 

With much love,

Antigone