“Gather round my new found friends
pardon my orations.
I’ll lead you on an exquisite journey
exceeding your expectations,”
announced this guide blocking our path
who appeared older than rocks
of this ancient city of remarkable ruins.
Her pitch was quite unorthodox:
“THA-lee-ah FEH-thros at your service.
But you can call me Thea.
It means ‘divine insight’ in Greek
and you get the right idea.
Wisdom this humble retired professor
learned on a thousand treks
straight up this sacred Acropolis
is yours - better than sex!”
Piquing my interest, she went to her bag
(Is she some kind of clairvoyant?)
“This ancient map? A picture of that
you’ll want for later enjoyment.”
Entranced by this grail of incredible detail,
I wondered if it came from her quill.
My brother sighed and took me aside:
“Gonna drag that bat up the hill?”
Casting a knowing evil eye
at Bro was her retort.
“Never mind Grimm, I don’t want him”
grabbing my arm for support.
With Thea in tow, skyward we crawled
pulled up by the looming Parthenon
in the sandaled footsteps of Socrates and Plato.
Feel the history – c’mon!
Savoring Thea’s transmission of trivia
from eyes so clear and bright
seeing relics from an insider's view,
treated to a godly insight.
“Stop. Over there. Take out your camera.
That is the perfect spot.
You’ll remember this picture forever
and your girl will frame the shot.”
While we gawked at marvelous marbles
and dazzling buildings of antiquity,
Thea watched our excited experience
from the shade of her olive tree.
Taking me aside, squeezing my hand:
“Adieu, FEE-los my friend!”
Then Thea mysteriously wasn’t there
but how did she descend?
She had no arm to steady her.
Brother pointed to an elevator;
but I think I spotted a little owl
descending toward the Theater.
