“Medusa” by Nele Brack is a poignant poem that delves into the tragic story of a woman whose golden mane, once a symbol of beauty and luck, is transformed into a head full of serpents. This transformation, caused by a traumatic encounter with a man who took her against her will, leaves her isolated and condemned to a life of loneliness. The poem explores themes of lost youth, the power of gaze, and the haunting voices that accompany her. Join us as we delve into the depths of Medusa’s sorrowful existence, where beauty turns to despair and her heart weighs heavy with shame.
medusa
i used to have a golden mane
like a lions yellow head
shimmer lucky shining rain
falling down my back
i was robbed of youth and looks
by an owl in female form
written in so many books
is the story of my storm
the man who took me against my will
is still roaming around
while my eyes are forced to kill
he’s nowhere to be found
i could never love again
because my gaze turns them to stone
what demonic monster I am
i’ll always be alone
all i have are the voices
coming from my head
but their scary little noises
sooth me in my bed
my heart is heavy and it aches
i’ll always live in shame
now on my head are evil snakes
instead of a golden mane
