I sculpted the form of Man from clay
To stand on two feet, as he does today,
Fashioned after deities, so they may
Stand tall, see far, look up, and pray.
I designed them with a special destiny:
To create among beings eternal harmony.
With love and longing I looked upon my progeny,
And their woes struck my heart with agony.
Their place among creatures was not, I saw,
Exalted among animals of hoof, wing, or paw.
They were prey to many beasts of fang and claw,
And their meager flesh was always cold and raw.
They had the potential of Gods indeed
Yet they remained in quite desperate need
Of the power that belongs to a godly breed
So I quietly conceived of a generous deed
To give to them the gift that the Gods enjoy,
A celestial fire for them to employ
At will on Earth to create and destroy,
But Zeus quickly discovered the ploy.
Enraged and fearful of being overthrown
He was loath to ever see man be grown,
For wielding fire they threaten his throne
And prophesy known may well be shown.
My success was nearly comprehensive
None of his power proved preventative
But he did punish me for my initiative
And sent up Hades to take me captive.
To the depths of the Underworld I went
These last millennia there I’ve spent
Having my flesh and organs rent
By a giant eagle that cries “Repent!”
But I knew Hercules would rescue me,
Break my chains and restore my liberty,
Because my name is Foresight, you see,
So I offer mankind my ultimate loyalty.