Dear Alcestis,
You are
an ancient feminist
an empowered woman trapped in a world of patriarchy.

From the beginning you were dismissed, resigned to be chattel.
You were ordered, pushed, directed by the males around you to latch on.
Ensnare him in a your feminine web.
You're not strong enough alone.
You're just a woman.
Why should you-
Stop.

You find it all in Him:
Shock, love, strength
you are finally balanced, equal.
You are happy.
But Fate holds a bed of snakes for the forgetful and He is stolen from you.
Apollo cannot help you now, and you see only one option.

Once again a primal privilege arises,
But you must win, you must succeed.
You sneak away, so desperate to see the world, be the change, be the solution for once, you sacrifice yourself-
Hades.
You are floating, falling, frightened-
Stop.

All you know is-
Someone carrying you away, rushing-
Stop.
You are handed back to Him- you are limp,
helpless.
You are more than that.
**** Hercules.

You are the distressed princess, the fair maiden, and still the hero of your own story.