The story of Prometheus, a Greek Titan, is dark and disturbing, and captures the essence of a hero of humanity that is punished for his selfless deeds. Prometheus was always considered to be the protector of mankind.

In a moment of rage with mortals, Zeus decided to take fire away as a punishment. Prometheus, in an effort to help humanity, managed to steal fire back, and give it to humans. This infuriated Zeus to no end, so he ordered for the creation of Pandora, who was destined to bring darkness and trouble to mankind. Prometheus was punished greatly for his crime. He was chained to a rock, and during the day, an eagle would eat through his body, all the way to his liver. His liver was regenerated during the night, and his wounds healed because of Prometheus's immortality.

And so, according to the myth, Prometheus suffered unimaginable pain, day and night, for his actions and efforts to help humankind and give us something that is vital to our civilization.

This story inspired me to think on the selfishness of humanity and everything we take for granted, which in turn lead to this poem:

Light was given

in sunshine, with

no debt to pay,

no burden to bear,

the world was

made this way.

Warmth is shared,

desired, and

taken away

when

Darkness sweeps

over in the night,

and we are left

with blackened sky,

remnants of stars

and moonlight.

Sleep escapes time,

Fear knows to wake,

Cold forces himself

on his victims, and

invites Death for a

cruel fate. We are

a ticking time bomb

in the night,

but

we wait.

He saw this and

stole fire,

held it between his

hands, to

save us, to help

give a fighting

chance.

He suffers by Day

for his crime,

feels the heat

of the Sun

for all time, under

the rock that holds

him, binds him there.

The eagle comes to eat

like clockwork, and

he can do nothing

but stare in silenced

screams, his body

ripped apart at the

seams.

Now,

Darkness comes

when we please.

Cold is controlled,

Fear stays asleep,

Warmth is

taken by everyone

with ease.

We sit, and light

our cigarettes,

burn buildings down,

drink whiskey and

bourbon, never listen

to the sound of

the crack of firewood,

only tobacco between

our teeth, set fire to die

in ashes

for a moment of relief.