I didn’t cry—no tear, no blink,
Though they said my heart would sink.
Her laughter rang where mine once lived,
But his cold gaze would not forgive.

My hands were still, my soul like stone,
A fierce Medusa, standing alone.
Mourning came in nights unseen,
Beneath calm Artemis’ serene.

I watched them fade, shadows pale,
No storm inside, no anguished wail.
Like Athena, wise in fight,
I held my ground, embraced my might.

Closure struck like Apollo’s dart,
No pain, no break—just strength of heart.
From Troy’s ashes, I rose untamed,
A queen of ruins, unbowed, unclaimed.

                                    -Dr Priya Tripathi