My Mentor

          The drunken suitors relax, I felt so powerless against them. The agony of my father’s absence cripples me. The suitors try to take my father’s kingdom, consistently abusing our hospitality. They disrespect me by drinking and eating our food, but yet they still get away scot-free; if only my father was here he would rout them. A strange face was at my door this afternoon. I was a little bit embarrassed that I was the first one to welcome this stranger. I waited for his introduction; his face looked as if he was eager to tell me something. Though I learned Mentes was my father’s old friend, I knew he was probably a goddess in disguise, which made me feel hope. Seeing a goddess made me think of my father, Odysseus; I long for my father to come home. This is the first time in years where I have hope to see my wondrous father. I have spent years grieving for my inspiration to come home.

           I had the feeling that “Mentes” knew something about my father, and it made me crave information. All I have felt was sorrow and grief for years, assuming my father was dead. I took this goddess and treated her like a queen, in hopes of getting information back. I put away her sword, I seated her in a high chair, and I offered her my food and wine. My eagerness, to know the truth took over me, as I asked, demandingly simple questions about her and where she came from. The way she looked at me made me feel calm, almost like my heart slow down several beats. I still could not help but wonder about my father; I still had so many questions. Is my father alright? Is he dead? Where is he? When will he return? When will he take vengeance on the god-forsaken suitors?

           Emotions overflow my mind waiting for her words, which would determine my future. Seeing her lips move, made me feel invincible. She told me my father is still alive and that I needed to take a journey, advising me like a father to a son. I feel exultant; the excitement rushed throughout my body, while a chill ran through my spine. I could feel every hair on my body rise as I got more details from this marvelous goddess.  This goddess inspires me; being around her makes me feel these inexplicable emotions that fill my heart with faith. Emotions overflowed my mind, first I was daydreaming of my father coming home and then suddenly this stunning goddess is telling me she has a feeling Odysseus is still alive. Feeling inspired, I listened to her wise words, in order to be careful to do exactly what she says. I know I am the man of the house now.

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Hospitium.html