“which river is most powerful?”
zeus yells to the gods.

“the styx,” hades calls out.
“nothing compares to hate.
it powers sisyphus still.”

“the acheron,” ares insists.
“pain will bring down even
the strongest of warriors.”

“the cocytus!” aphrodite wails.
“its waters are swimming with
lost love and lamentation.”

“the phlegethon,” hera says,
head held high. “because it
reminds us that life and pain
go hand in hand.”

“the lethe,” whispers hestia,
and no one hears her speak.
“when you forget that which
you stood for, you are gone.

“you are nothing.”