IX: The (Tragic) Story Unfolds

Helios said nothing. His face hardened

to stone as he handed a webwork of reins

to Phaëthon—guides of the chariot.

Helios trembled as Phaëthon grabbed the whip

while Clymenê, his water nymph mother,

splashed in the blue ocean, proud and unaware.

Morning Star blazed eastward. So it began.

A long moment, Phaëthon surveyed his range:

Earth, Moon, orbiting planets, and comets.

As he gazed at his new domain, horses trod

through the Zodiac’s arc, as was their habit.

Phaëthon’s sight finally settled on distant stars.