I was shocked when I read the Iliad

Achilles was known as the bravest of all,

And yet in the beginning he cried.

He wept in his mother’s arms for his pride.

For a woman taken from him,

He wailed in anger and humiliation.

I admire Homer for his depiction

Of real human emotions.

How he showed, even the glorious ones cried,

Even the capable ones died.

No side was good,

No side was bad.

Both had their flaws,

Both had their strengths,

Some lost their families,

Some lost their beloveds