CASE 2: ON the RUles of RELATIONSHIPS

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me remind you of a very obscure fact.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

But.. THERE IS SUCH A THING AS ATTRACTION AT FIRST SIGHT!

Probability of love at first sight to just attraction at first sight= .000001:100000000000000000000000000000000000000

So here are the RULES of deciding whether you can dive into a relationship. Thankfully they're only three! (This is the guiding philosophy of Mr. Go Kim Pah, founder of Equitable Bank.. actualy its his philosophy on business.. not love but wht the heck! IT applies to everything! ESPECIALLY LOVE!)



1,) What is easily obtained is little appreciated

2) What is not held in great value is not retained in permanence

3)Success in love achieved without a thousand days of sweat and blood may flourish for a while, but will not last long and its fruits will not be enjoyed.

CASE 1: On the Rules of Love (from my former/fave ed in chief)

1. Don't waste your time on someone who doesn't appreciate you the way you should
be appreciated.

2. Don't ever settle for mediocrity,

3. ................................for being just an option

4. ................................for being the one who's just fun to be with

5. ................................for being the one who's always there waiting

6. ................................for mere concern or pity

7. ................................for someone who likes you cause he knows he's got the power to break you.


Because deep down, you know who you are and you know without a doubt that you deserve better

if not the best...

Words have been spoken...

Cased CLOSED!

(Judge smiles content with the case and the chocolate bar on her hands...)

(Someone commented my blogs were too dark? I don't know. I don't think so...)

It means something to me.

1)You commented that I will never be pretty enough for anyone to fall in love with me...

It meant nothing to you, just a careless statement you continually utter...

It meant something to me...

2) You told me you had a girlfriend, 2 months after you said that you love me...

It meant nothing to you, just an ego that couldn't handle just one girl...

It meant something to me...

3)You said that I was a lousy leader.....

It meant nothing to you, It was stated at a heated time, where emotions run high...

It meant something to me...

4) You checked the way I enjoy my accomplishments, that showing off isn't the way that a lady should behave....

It meant nothing to you, in your mission to crush anyone, how could it mean something?

But it meant something to me...

5) You demanded that I protect you, from the unforgiving law that punishes you.

It meant nothing to you, you just want to escape.

But it meant something to me....

6)You begged me to love you again, even after all the things you have done...

Your past mistakes meant nothing to you, all you see is the girl you want to be with... for now..

But it meant something to me...

When will you understand the fact that...

Meaningless things for you...

Isn't always really meaningless?

When?

Perhaps if I break your heart first, then you'll understand.

It Won't Work Out

Notable reasons why situations just don't work out.

1) One of man's greatest flaws is their obsession with rushing things. (You cannot rush love, no matter how in love you say you are. I seriously do not believe on love at first sight)

2) The apparent motive isn't always the real motive. (Ahem... He helps you.. apparent motive: He wants to help.. real motive: he wants to use you-not in a good way)

3) There is no such thing as a free lunch. (Self-explanatory)

4) Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus does not happen everyday. ( No matter how much you want him to change, sometimes the best thing you can do is leave.)

5) Another man's great flaw: Jumping before looking where they will land. ( Caution is an imaginary virtue when the heart is gripped by love)

6)People usually never learn from experience. (He cheated on you! Then you suddenly crawl back to him??? -hehe lots of anger issues here-)

7) The philosophy of the majority: AS LONG AS IT IS FOR LOVE (One of man's prime example of irrational behavior)

8) A forgotten fact: There IS a time to be selfish. ( Being a martyr for your faith is acceptable, seeing that you are fighting for the common good. But giving it all to a man who wouldn't give you the time of the day? NO WAY. There IS such a thing as too giving)

Note: Friends have been mangled and destroyed because of this. It really couldn't work out.

I cannot save you

I cannot save you....
That is the simple truth.

Much as I would try to spare you from the pains you are about to endure,
I can do nothing.

As long as I can't command the heart to stop beating
or as long as I cannot control the elements,

I am unable to help you.

You are my friend
So precious to me

But as long as I hold the scepter of Justice in my hands,
As long as I am under oath to denounce biases,

I am useless to your cause.

May you forgive me dear friend,
For my lack of action

But as much as I love you, dear friend.
I cannot violate the Law of Right.

Lastly, forgive me dear friend.
For the sword of consequence is bestowed upon me.

All actions have a certain consequence.

I cannot save you,

For Justice has come for your payment.

FI National Youth encounter

One by one, all of them turned to leave. I suppressed my tears, even though I knew that I may never see them again. So I thought of a way to say goodbye without getting all too teary...

I found a stack of stationeries in the handbag I bought to the encounter. With a passion to write, I wrote to each of the schools that sent them.

The night before their departure, I didn't expect anyone to react because I assumed that they didn't know my name. I assumed this because I myself had a hard time memorizing their names. After dinner, I was surprised when the group from Nazareth school approached me and said thank you. Then more followed. It turns out that I had a classmate who was a cousin of a student there. They wanted to find out who the writer was.

Other schools found out when I was asked to deliver a speech before all the delegates. Of course they announced my name. By now, everyone knew who I was and what I did.

IT was a teary moment, we all shared the same belief, the same passion, even though some speaks Ilonggo, Bisaya and other dialects. That night I found out that everyone in this group is significant and I am ashamed of thinking myself as an insignificant creature. Thanks to them, I now know otherwise.

I was like a specter when they talk. Luck would have it that I was sitting in the middle of two lovebirds. Yes, fate is so kind to me! And yes, I meant that in a sarcastic manner. But then, I'm not one to feel sorry of myself so I resort to teasing using the aid of our other seatmate. All is happy then. The lovebirds, blushing everytime I tease them while I have the fun of my life.

Yes I am happy. Happy that I am free from the heartbreaks that come their way. I know that they really love each other but it's inevitable.

OF COURSE that you won't believe me at first. Who ever heard of a teenager maintaining a Platonic relationship with any male human being?

Hehe Believe.

Heart Matters Part 2

Effects of Heartbreak on the Heart

Clinical Fact: Heartbreak can really cause the weakening of the heart, especially those who already have heart or even lung disorders... haha

My fact: Independence prevents heartbreaks even when in a relationship. One should learn to establish own identity and doesn't need a man to make him complete

What love should be like: Not needing a man to complete you, but in your completeness choose freely to love a person, in YOUR WILL!

Why the heck am I writing this: Just feeling weird. To all my sisters out there, GOd bless and hope you the best (both in love and war, cause even us women are capable of starting wars...)

Love is simply the question of giving a gun to the one you love and trusting that he won't pull the trigger. If that's the case, then I laugh right now.

If this was a real life situation and we will take the statement literally, someone would have to be STUPID to even consider the idea.

Take Newton's 3rd law of motion, the law of reaction in context to this situation...

Give someone a gun... the temptation's too great not to try it out... its loaded so it will be a lot more fun... so he gives in... he shoots... but he didn't realize... that the gun was pointing at your heart...

And so ends the life of someone who hoped everything would work out.

(a bit angsty today... too much coffee... next entry will be longer... promise)

Thoughts/conceptualization on Plato's 'The Republic'

-Since Plato acknowledged that rank in society denotes inequality between its community, he also acknowledged that all of us are really never equal... Since we all have different abilities, does this prove that Plato was actually right? That equality is just an imagination?

-In Utopia (perfect place Socrates imagined... actually Plato and Socrates were great friends so he used Socrates as the main character in his book)
- Mother's never know their own children... they just take care of all the children...
- Poets must bow to reason... and never let their imagination take contron
- Philosophers lead the society
- Sexual tendencies are suppressed until the need to reproduce arises...
- Which means Romantic love is frowned upon...

Is this what a perfect society really is?????????

-Plato said that the truth is what is real in your eyes... Since we all have different points of view, what really is the truth?

-Perfection, Plato said, is internal... if so are we actually capable of perfection... and since everyone has a different disposition in life, what is really perfect....

Philosophy is so interesting.... (I am still a newbie in Philosophy, so if I sound a bit silly forgive me)

I slept one night, just thinking of my quest for the perfect man...

Someone who is a gentleman, and knows how to take care of his lady...

Someone who wouldn't sacrifice the lady's principles to match his own...

Someone who can tolerate my mistakes, for I am just human...

Someone who understands, who cares....

So I fell asleep with these thoughts going around my head.

And in my dreams, I got a chance to talk with God himself.

I told him of my burdens, of my dreams and my goals... I told him of my quest to find the perfect man...

But as we continued to talk, I realized one thing.

GOD is the PERFECT MAN!

So I asked God how He could expect me to find the perfect man, if He himself is the ONLY one....

He told me...

"My child, love is not finding someone perfect, or finding someone to complete you. Its about not a need, but a choice to love someone, in spite of his imperfections."

Alice was stuck in WONDER land, and all she could think about was getting home...

To get it over with...

To end the suffering...

And finally, after days of hard work, she was able to reach the final chapters of her journey...

At the last page...

"Hey! I can see home! Its so close!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!"

The bunny rabbit didn't share her enthusiasm.

"Alice, I'll miss you."

Laughing, Alice replied, " Don't worry bunny, I'll visit!!!!!"

Looking at her sadly, the bunny said, "You don't understand. When you go home, you'll never be able to go back here. We'll never see each other again..."

"What? How come?"

"Because I'll be just a memory. You can remember me for as long as you'll like, but you can't talk me again... Perhaps only in your dreams..."


Poor Alice, so in a hurry to go home, that she didn't get to really live the moment with the best friends she'll ever have...

All people are connected, whether they know it or not. A perfect stranger can be the cause of either triumph or ruin, done intentionally or not. Life is like that. You think you don't have any damn business with the guy across the street. Well, you're about to find out that isn't the case.

8:45 am (15 minutes till the start of class)

She hurriedly ran across the halls since she doesn't want to be late(yes, she is time conscious). Then of all the unluckiest things to happened, she bumped into a complete stranger. Books then flew into the air, leaving the poor guy to pick them up. Feeling guilty, she helps him and notices that he carries an unusually heavy bag. An uncomfortable silence ensues, until she strikes up a conversation.

"Hi! I think I haven't seen you around here."

Smiling at her, the guy replies "That's because I'm new. By the way, I'm Carlos."

"Genna."

12:00 pm (lunch time!!!!!!!!!!!)

Grabbing a cinnamon roll off the counter, Genna then saw Carlos siiting alone in a table. Considering that her best friend was away on a gymnastics competition, she decided to eat with him.

"Hi Carlos! Remember me?" His lone figure looked up at her and smiled.

"Of course, Genna. Here, have a seat."

They then spend the rest of lunch talking about trivial stuff while enjoying each others company and cinnamon rolls!!!

4:00 pm (Dismissal time)

Upon stepping out of the school grounds, Genna again saw Carlos carrying all his books, unusual for you could always keep some of your books in the lockers.

"Carlos!!!!"

"Well, nice seeing you again, Genna." Again noticing the huge pile of books he was carrying, she then helped him.

"Carlos, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Why do you carry all your books home with you?"

Taking a huge breath, he answered. "Someday, Genna, you will know."

Upon reaching his house, he offered to give her some drinks and they (again) had a good time talking.

AFTER A FEW MONTHS....

Genna and Carlos became good friends. With Genna's friends and big brothers, they both had a lot of fun, and they spent the whole school year together. Before you know it, it was graduation day.

1:45 pm (15 minutes before the graduation ceremony)

"Well, this is our last year together!!!!" Genna exclaimed.

"Well, I'll certainly miss you Genna." Carlos replied.

"Me too."

During the course of the school year, Carlos have proven himself to be a very smart man, surpassing even Genna, who was the resident genius, which she didn't mind. He was supposed to give the ending speech to all the graduates.

Seeing that Carlos was nervous...

"Come on Carlos, you'll be fine. Just say it from the heart."

"I really can't help it Genna. I'm not a natural born speaker, like you are."

"You'll do great."

SPEECH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Before I give my speech, you should all know that I prepared a really long one, but following the advice of a close friend, I'll just speak from the heart."

Silent laughter ensued from the audience, Carlos then continued.

" In our high school lives, chaos is really rampant and you would usually get sucked in by all the deppression around you. Without friends, one might even get tempted to take his life." A hush fell over the crowd.

" I was that person. Following a sudden move from my hometown, I lost my friends, all that was familiar to me. So when I stepped into this school, I made an unconscious decision that this will be the last day I would ever step into this strange place."

Tears then stung the eyes of the majority of the audience.

" At the last hour, I cleared my locker, so that my parents wouldn't do that for me, when the found me dead, after consuming a lot of sleeping pills. But it just took one person. One person to say hello, to inquire if I was okay or not to change my perspective. Ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about Genna Simone."

"Oh my..." Genna muttered.

"Genna, thank you for all the times you have been there for me. You have no idea that you are my savior..."

The speech was then over, then Genna rushed towards Carlos to give him a hug.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I didn't understand at first what was happening, but now I do. I'm given a new lease on life, all because of you."

From now on, think twice before you fail to help a fellow stranger.

Is it nice there dear friend? Where you are right now?
Are you at peace? Are your troubles all gone?
Of course, I won't know until we see each other again.
But not too soon, for I need to stay here to do something.

Can you run, and never get tired? Can you fly? They told me you can...
I want to learn how to fly. Hopefully, one day you'll show me how.
Did they give you wings? Oh I wish I had a pair. But God didn't create us
with wings, while we live, as far as I know.

Can you still beat those younger than you at arm wrestling?
It never fails to amaze me how an aging arm could defeat my 'young?' arms.
Perhaps, I'm just weak. But is weakness present in the place where you are?
One day, curiosity will get the better of me.

But for this journey, you are now embarking,let me give you my heart for you to keep. Let it be your reminder that we will always love you.
Yet, I somehow have the feeling that they love you as much as we do.
But still, keep our love. Its yours.

Right now in my life, I have a lot of fears I need to overcome. I just want to push past then to move on peacefully. But now I realize, only closure could give me that kind of satisfaction:

I am afraid to disappoint those that believe in me, which then drives me to beat myself up for failing.

I am afraid to be thought of as a weak part in a group, which is why I put a lot of effort to surpass others.

I am afraid others may hate me, whether because of my attitude or in what I believe in, still I move on with my direct nature and perhaps will find the strength to believe.

I am afraid to end up as an insignificant fool someday, so I give it my all to reach success.

I am afrain of losing the one's I love, everyday, I wake up to the reality that they may leave me, unintentionally or not.

I am afraid to let myself be fooled by my own heart, it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust.

But the one question that keeps confusing me is this:

Why do I continuously let myself be in situations where fear is inevitable?

The answer's simple really. I desire to conquer it.

Only when your desire is greater than your fear, will surpassing it be inevitable.

Artemis then set out for the Island of Eos.

Eos. The goddess of the Dawn; the woman who stole Orion from her, and perhaps she also has the answer to her questions...

She didn't really expect faithfullness, especially from a hunter like Orion. A hansome man, whose face have broken hearts, too many to count. But Artemist thought being a deity would make her an exception to the rule. Big mistake.

Instead Orion was smitten by the fair Eos. He preferred the goddess' golden locks from Artemis' dark ones. He just wanted a woman who was so gentle and so giving, so tame and fragile, unlike Artemis' independent nature. In a relationship, he wanted to be seemingly the strong one. But of course, romance between a deity and a mortal guarantees the dominance of the latter.

But oh! Does she love him. Even after the discovery of his infidelities, her heart beats for him still. Even his death didn't stop her from that.

Orion's death was another matter entirely. It was utterly cloaked in mystery that there are many versions on how he died. Some say he was attacked by a scorpion. Others say he provoked the wrath of a god. But all efforts of Artemis to find his body failed. Even her brother, couldn't give her answers.

As she approached the island, Eos figure could be seen staring out into the sea, lost in thought. The goddess only came out from her stupor when Artemis finally drew near.

"I knew you would come, sooner or later. I knew you would be searching for answers."

"Eos, I need your help. I have information, that you have what I seek." Eos again looked into the sea.

"The sea is so mysterious. Its dark depths prevent us from knowing more than we ought to know. It has a spirit of its own."

"Eos, please. I need to know..."

"You are searching for the truth, are you not? Look into the sea goddess of the hunt, and you will know."

Staring at the sea, its colors changed from the dark blue it usually wore to the color of the sky nearing night, a mix of blue, purple and orange. The reflection then changed to a scene that has been snatched from the past...

One can vaguely see Orion as he swam rapidly towards the Island of Eos. His body screamed of fear, as if fleeing from something or someone... Then...

Swoosh! A silver arrow whizzed by and hit him in the head...

"NOooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Who would do such a horrible thing?"

Looking at her strangely, the goddess of the Dawn answered.

"But dear Artemis, YOU are the one who killed Orion."

The view then shifted to the shore where sure enough, the figure of Artemis can be seen taking aim.

"I didn't know! Zeus and Apollo told me it was..."

"What did they tell you goddess?"

"They told me it was a bobbing target, something that I have to hit with my arrows to prove my worth."

"Now you know..."

"It can't be."

"Apollo sent a hideous monster to kill him, but it failed to do so. Sensing the immense danger my dear Orion fleed and sought out my help. I heard his cries, but I was too late... I saw your arrows pierce his body and he sank in the depths of the sea..."

At Apollo's departure, Artemis allowed herself to fully relax and medidate on what has happened. Clearly, Mnemosyne is not to be trusted and she could guarantee on the goddess of the hunt never to forget all the wrongs she committed.

Her calmness then turned to anger. How dare she try to deceive her? She will pay, Artemis vows to herself.

At exactly that moment, the goddess of memory made her entrance.

"Well Artemis, has your brother confessed his sins?" Turning her head to the goddess, she just laughs.

"Mnemosyne, how nice of you to pay me a visit again."

"Hopefully, you now know the truth."

"On the contrary, goddess, I have always known the truth. You are a manipulative fool and never again will your lies influence me. My faithful nymphs, seize her!"

"Endomia," she addressed one of the wood nymphs, "You will escort the goddess of memory out, so she will feel the full extent of my anger. As of now, I do not want any violence associated with my forests."

"What is the meaning of this?" Outraged, she tried to struck Artemis, but the goddess was ready with her painless silver arrows.

"One wrong move Mnemosyne, not only will you feel the pain of my arrows, but your daughters, being demi-gods, will die from it!"

"You will not dare!"

"Of course not. I am the protector of maidens, but that is entirely up to you. Endomia, get her away from my sight, before I become tempted to kill!"

Struggling against the powerful wood nymph, Mnemosyne made one last plea.

"If you do not believe that he oppresses my daughters, then believe this! Apollo is the one who killed Orion..." This surprised Artemis greatly that for a few moments she just stared as if in a trance.

"Enough lies, Mnemosyne! Do not make me angry."

"Ask Eos then! She knows what really happened the night Orion was murdered!"

"My nymphs, escort her out immediately!" With that only Artemis and Mythia was left in the forest.

"My brother will never kill the man I had loved for so long..."

Never again will my heart dictate my actions. Wise decisions require precise calculations devoid of any emotion. Any sort of distraction should just be tossed in the burner.

That's how love should be tackled. Guardingly cherished before he breaks your heart and tossing it away like an old sock, when he does. I am not heartless, if that's what you're saying. But trust should be given at only an extent. Happiness should not not be shown fully. Follow these and you are the wiser one.

The world is full of people who walk over you. You could never eliminate the possibility that the one you love will do the walking.

Dear friends, I am not heartless. I just don't think its wise to prioritize my emotions. Hopefully, you wouldn't take that against me.

"Mythia, do you think brother could do such a thing?"

Artemis' mind was in a state of confusion. She was so deep in thought that she didn't sense a presence approaching her.

"A penny for your thoughts, dear sister?"

Startled, Artemis saw her brother, Apollo, smiling down at her.

"I apologize for startling you, my favorite sister."

"Dear Apollo, I AM your only sister."

"With our mother Io, that is. But I am not here to merely chat aimlessly. Hermes informed me that you wish to speak to me of something that is of most utter importance."

She sighed inwardly. How can she tell him?

"A few days ago, Mnemosyne paid me a visit..."

"Oh no..." Apollo groaned. "What did she do this time? I swear I'll let father banish her to the underworld, but sadly, Zeus rarely sees it my way. Her daughters are just as bad."

"Her purpose of visiting concerns her nine daughters. She seems to think that you are mistreating them." Upon seeing the rage in her brother's face, she felt a twinge of fear. But only a twinge. Goddesses are not supposed to be scared.

"Artemis, you believe that hag more than your own brother?"

"It's not like that. Of course I believe in you. But she argued her side quite well and I just want to hear you deny it, so my thoughts will be disturbed no more."

Apollo's face finally relaxed into a weary smile. "Of course dear sister, I do not oppress any woman. That is not only ungodly but clearly violating my principles. You know I RESPECT the women of this world, whether immortal or not."

Upon saying this, Apollo's hand stroked the branch of a nearby Laurel tree.

"Dear brother, do you still remember Daphne?"

"How can I forget the first woman who made my heart stop beating? She made me want to be a better man. But her father, who was the god of the nearby river, saw me as a threat and turned poor Daphne into the laurel tree. From then on, I promised to myself I will always treat a woman as she is deserved to be treated."

"Those words enlighten my heart and will no longer be corrupted by Mnemosyne's words." Reaching out, she held her brother's hand.

"I am glad to hear that."

Hate is such a complex matter...

It takes energy to keep it inside...

It also takes energy to release it...

Hating thyself is one thing... for you can easily punish yourself and stop immediately when you can handle it...

But hating other people is really hard,

How can you help this silly writer of this blog,

who doesn't know the difference from love and hate?

How the heck can you just stand there and keep disappointing me? I am a smart girl! I know my limits, I know my strengths, I know my fears, I know when to stop.

THat's why I hate you, you make me forget to hate you...

I should know better. But I tell you this...

YOU WILL NEVER BREAK MY HEART!

I won't let you...

I'll break yours first before that happens...

At Mnemosyne's departure, Artemis feels strangely guilty at refusing to help the goddess of memory. After all, Apollo's twin sister is looked up to by the women of Greece and she feels it is her duty to protect their rights.

But would her brother really exploit these women, who are demi-gods at the same time? Could her brother commit such a crime?

To put her mind at ease, she then departed for Mount Olypus...

Drunken laughter greeted Artemis as she entered the gods' home. Seeing Eros and Haphaestus gulp down huge amounts of ambrosia, she looks away with disgust. She tried her best to silently depart to another room, but it was too late for Eros, upon seeing her shouted.

"Artemis! Care to join our celebration?"

"Forgive me, but I cannot see any cause to celebrate." More laughter erupted from the God of love...

"Did you know that our dear Haephaestus finally proposed his love to my mother!"

"And did Aphrodite accept his love?" This then caused both gods to be silent.

"I thought so. Eros, stop playing games with your mother's love life."

She hurriedly ascended the stairs and was met by Hermes, the god's messenger.

"Hermes, have you seen my brother?"

"No, my lady. He seems to be out and said that he has some business to take care of. Does my lady wish to give him a message?"

"Yes. Tell him I need to see him at the earliest possible time."

DICTIONARY:

RICH

1. A girl with no arm, but has a mother to sing her to sleep...

2. A man who lost his job, yet loaned his friend some money to make ends meet...

3. A student who didn't cheat, yet kept his dignity...

4. A teenager who said no to her boyfriend's intention, and is free from worries...

5. A suitor who wooed 10 women, and still waits for his soul mate...

POOR

1. A man with ambition, but without action...

2. A millionaire who will eventually die alone...

3. A pessimist who has no hope for our country's economy...

4. A woman, too afraid to open her heart...

5. A Catholic, who fools himself a devout member...

SOURCES: MY HEART Chapter 1 page 3-4

Her beautiful face is reflected by the mirror. Artemis may be the goddess of the hunt, but she has her share of beauty. Her stature reveals confidence, while her actions show fearlessness. But just as any creature, deity or not, cannot be exempt from the basic law that governs all the living: everyone has a weakness.

On that particular day, she strolls the woods with her faithful fawn, Mythia. At that time, she feels at peace, calm enough to close her eyes and bring down her defenses.

This went on for a while until Mythia grew restless and suddenly veered off which alerts her to an intruder.
"Creature of the wood or of the dark, show yourself, for my temper needs not to be tested."
Behind the laurel tree, came out a woman whose dark hair contrasts her fair face.

"Mnemosyne..."

The goddess was surprised. Mnemosyne, does not usually grace anyone with her presence, most especially to her, whose twin brother stands as her mortal enemy. The cause of the dispute between the two deities was still shrouded by mystery, that even Artemis, who was the confidant of the Sun God, didn't know.

"What brings you here, goddess of memory?" To her amazement, tear-stained eyes looked back at her.

"The only joy I have in my life are my nine daughters with your father, Zeus. Without them, I am nothing. My purpose of coming here is to ask for your assistance in changing the unjust conditions they are subjected to."

"What more do you want, Mnemosyne? Your daughters are the Muses of the Arts! They are worshipped, not just by any man, but by men who desire to be gifted with talents that has been bestowed upon them! They are revered and sacrifices are allotted to them. In my opinion, your daughters are too much pampered and in need of more discipline!"

"They bring life to men's greatest works, yet they are oppressed none other by your twin brother! He forbids them to take delight in the offerings of men. Rather, he keeps their offerings for himself! He then reasons out that it is for their own good, lest the sacrifices distract them from their holy duties. That is not the life, any mother would want for their daughters, nor is this the life YOU would want for any woman to endure."

"I'm sorry for your anguish, dear goddess, but I am afraid I cannot help you."

"Why not? You are his twin sister! He will listen to you!"

"No. It is I who always listens to him....