Did not the most beautiful, irresistible
Helen of Sparta, eventually pleased
to be taken to Troy by Paris her lover,
acclaimed by all becoming Helen of Troy
thus sparking the ten year long Trojan War
now known throughout all ancient time as
the 'Face' that launched ten thousand ships.

Did not Homer describe in his "Odyssey"
the danger to Odysseus as he sailed close
to the island of Anthemoessa of the 'Songs'
sung by the three Sirens with beautiful faces,
part human - part bird beckoning, compelling,
luring all sailors to their rocky deaths, but
Odysseus by clever plan, prewarned, escaped.

In Wagner's opera, "Ring der Niebelungen"
did he not have Wotan punish Brunhilde
for disobeying him by placing her on a rock
ringed, surrounded by impenetrable fire
that is until Siegfried came along and rescued her.

Wonderful but mythical -  yet in truth a real love
that of Emperor Shah Jahan who truly loved
his favorite wife best known as 'Mumtaz'
while she was still alive planned, built for her
the fabled Gardens and Palaces of Shalimar
also an after death monumental Mausoleum
breathtakingly known to millions as 'The Taj Mahal'.

What can be done here and now
for those who wish to honor their spouse
with caring love or remembrance thereof
there are many ways for those of means
such as foundations, grants, buildings
numerous other ways to leave one's legacies
supporting charities, providing medicines.

For the majority without such benevolent means
the evidence of love can simply be seen
in how you respect and treat each other,
the morals and character you instill
both in yourself and those around you
most important in parenting offsprings,
caring, civility, respect - love for each other.

Herbert Holzbauer
© January 2007

Midi: "Stous 5 Anemous"
(Stefanos Korkolis)
(www.hivolos.com.cy)

Graphic: "Taj Mahal"
(en.wikipedia.org)