history lesson in poetry

achilles, sulking in his tent
achilles, hulking and intense
achilles, sulking with intent
achilles, bulking up to vent
achilles
achilles

achilles had a weak point at his heels
achilles had a weakness and he could not heal
achilles had a weak spot in that he always had to feel
achilles had to toe the line but never cut a deal
achilles
achilles

achilles, invincible except for one loophole
achilles, left to magical devices outside his control
achilles, like superman except tendons instead of kryptonite
achilles, like balder except feet instead of mistletoe in christmas white
achilles
achilles

achilles, in his infinite potential
achilles, kicking himself in a rut residential
achilles, mistaking one defeat for a true that's essential
achilles, a self-recrimination so strong it found history's mention
achilles, bleeding out intent
achilles, wond'ring where it went
achilles, kicking himself and letting down his men
but achilles was great once
and achilles will be again
sing his rhymes and give him time
achilles
achilles