The following poem was first published in Issue 10 (Spring 2003) of Ancient Paths literary magazine. It was also the second place winner in the Ancient Paths “Poems for Books” Contest, which awarded winning poets with a poetry chapbook of their choice from the editor’s available selection.
On Viewing Artemisia Gentileschi's "Lot and His Daughters" at the Toledo Museum of Art by Kenneth R. Morefield
Our mother lost, our father won't look back, It falls on us to keep the flames at bay. Our choice: swift death--or life upon the rack; Immortal sin may purchase one more day.
The wine is not a tool to blunt his will,
It lets us look when we would flee from fire.
His stupid smile a yet more bitter pill,
Eve's curse renewed; all blamed on our desire.