The Bronze Mask of Pan: A Poem

The Bronze Mask of Pan:  A Poem


And so it came to pass that in the year 2015
a University of Haifa archaeological team
did uncover ancient bronze mask
of the ancient god Pan
outside the ancient Galilean city of Hippos-Sussita was it found
this rare relic unearthed from the ground
Larger than a human head
this mask of faun god long dead
From whence it came?
What's it for?
So much mystery
at history's door.
Most masks of this time made of terracotta or stone
making this bronze mask stand alone
most were theatre masks or miniature  masks
so this large mask now in glory basks


A bronze mask of Pan...

... from whence it came?

... and what or who was it for?



And so in ancient times the Greek god Pan did wander
on earth below skies where Zeus did thunder
He came upon a neat little town
his throat parched and his lips brown
he would find somewhere to drink
and have his satyr fancy tickled pink


He put on his mask for a disguise
so he wouldn't be seen by human eyes
The mask was made to look like him
this half-man half-goat not so proper and prim
That way no one would think it he
under bronze crafted so elegantly



In town there was a wedding
at a place with softer bedding
He posed as a wedding guest
though he knew neither bride nor groom
he would have to confess



He did ask for wine
so they gave him a cup
and that was fine


He went outside to drink the wine
and never had he tasted so fine
when he raised his mask to drink
his taste buds tickled pink

Oh such sweet Heaven!
Never did even ambrosia taste like this
surpassing that Olympian drink in heavenly bliss
O nectar divine!
O wine so fine!


Great god Pan lifted his cup to the sky
and then died without even a sigh.


For it was not for seemingly immortal gods was this wine given
but for mortal man so that life was worth livin'


Pan's body was found by the bride's father
He realized this would be such a bother
for he recognized the god and knew
he would have to think this through
who would believe his tale when told
he picked up the mask so old
And especially thought the bride's father
that this god died drinking wine made from water.


And so it was that this day at Cana of Galilee
saw the death of an ancient deity.


-A poem written by Christopher
 Wednesday March 25th
 2015.


Sent from my iPhone