Long ago the Greeks had their gods and goddesses

Thought to be long forgotten to the sands of time

But they’re still very much alive.

Dethroned from Mount Olympus

They live quietly among us in the simplest of ways.

 

Aphrodite is in that one outfit 

That gives you the confidence to stand up straight.

She’s in the smile

Of that one person that can always manage

To tug the corners of your own lips.

She’s in you all the time

Because you’re beautiful and loved no matter what.

 

Ares can be heard in the cries and shouts

Of young people fighting

To be the change they wish to see in the world.

He’s in the silent struggles

That scream in the minds of those

Fighting unseen battles behind tired eyes.

 

Athena shows herself when you remember

The answer to the test seconds before time runs out.

She’s whispering in your ear

So you know just what to say

To a friend who needs help bearing their burdens.

 

Apollo is in the laughter and the light.

He’s the dancing in your eyes 

As you tease your friends.

He’s the colors in the sunset

That bring you such joy after a long day.

Artemis is there to comfort

All the women who have suffered

Unmentionable wrongdoing.

She’s fighting for

All the girls born in the wrong bodies

And standing up for

All the girls pushed down or mocked

Just because they’re girls.

 

Hephaestus is in the artist

And the one who is told

That their talent isn’t good enough

To be pursued in the real world.

He’s with the begrudged

And the beaten 

And the forgotten.

He’s advocating for those overlooked

Just because they don’t look the part.

 

Demeter is the force behind the wildflowers

That bring such color to the bleakness

That would otherwise overpower the world.

She’s in the bouquet

That witnesses a bond between two souls

And she’s in the pure innocent joy

In a child presenting his mother a dandelion bouquet.

 

Hera fights for the one

Who can’t seem to figure out

Why he doesn’t seem to love her anymore

Or why she keeps seeking solace in another’s arms.

She wipes the tears

Of those so often trampled upon

And empowers them to recognize

What kings and queens they truly are

Regardless of how they’re treated by others.

 

Hestia is in the warmth

Found in the arms of a friend when you need them the most.

She’s the giddy feeling you get

When you’re up too late at a sleepover

Or the slight crazed feel

You get when you’re just letting loose

With the ones that you love with your entire being.

 

The gods are still very much alive

If only you know where to look for them

Because greatness doesn’t have to be grand.

It only has to be enough

To mean something to someone somewhere

Because changing the life of one person for the better

Is the greatest thing imaginable.