The Trojan Switch

The Trojan Switch

Helen looked out over the wall at the plain

Beside her the sisters of Fate and Destiny

Studying the invitation she had been sent

Wondering if she could trust without shame

Whilst Destiny saw this as a matter of festivity

Fate doubted not the message the oracle had sent

Beyond the plain in a tent by the harbour

Lay a thousand ships each bearing a suitor

Each with enchantment of the vision they saw

Whilst Fate advised of an outcome macabre

Destiny spoke of the one who had pursued her

A Paris proclaiming nobody could love more

Fate cautioned against the art of seduction

Would Delphi’s voice be the one that Helen heard

How should she choose if not by her heart

Whilst Destiny yielded to the path of abduction

A hero carrying off our heroine was not absurd

To the victor the spoils others then depart

Now Fate if foretold might then be avoided

Yet what if Destiny were to claim Fate lied

Leaving Helen to ponder a choice to be made

Some felt the image of Paris was embroidered

Beauty concealing the deception residing inside

Fate claiming deceit lay within what was displayed

Destiny would not be driven from her course

Argued the romance had a teleological meaning

History predetermined there was no other choice

Fate if denied the Trojan is admitted without force

Would Aphrodite wield her power in intervening

Helen slept that night listening for the voice

Copyright: David Hopcroft October 2024