Aphrodite’s Bath

Cyprus, birthplace of Aphrodite, 
though she did not remain here always, 
her duties on Mount Olympus 
requiring some attention.  

Cyprus was in her heart, 
a place to rest, 
a place to be worshipped, 
a place for love.  

She would rest under a giant oak 
on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, 
take her baths in a small grotto 
protected by a sacred fig tree 
with birds nestled into its branches, 
a veil of water from a spring 
dripping into the pool.  

She would come here 
after a tryst with a lover, 
the cool water and shady grotto 
cleansing her immortal skin.  

And here, drinking from her pool, 
she met Adonis, 
who would become her mortal love.  

For the love of Adonis, 
she would neglect her Mount Olympus duties, 
disappoint Zeus, 
risk the wrath of other lovers, 
Ares in particular, 
who would have his revenge in the end.  

It is said that to bathe in Aphrodite’s grotto 
will bring beauty and fertility, 
but no one is allowed in her pool today.  

Still, many people dip a hand in the spring, 
sprinkle it on their faces and shoulders, 
and make their wishes to the Goddess.