from the Greek of Nonnus
Sing goddess the bright burning mess-
enger of the CRONIDAI
the breathless labour brought on by thunder
the massive electrical storm in Semele’s bridal bed
—report
on the birth
of twice-born BACCHUS whom Zeus his father plucked
half-formed from the fire
—goo-covered baby—
SANS DOULA
how painfully he cut a cavity in his thigh
and carried him there, father and noble mother both
not unmindful of a previous pregnancy
when his head gave birth
having an unbearable, unbegotten lump
enlarging his cranium
until it burst
and shot forth burning in her armor
bright
ATHENA
