Castor and Pollux I never understood the emptiness in the night sky, the deal that was struck between the immortal twin and his father, Pollux giving up half his immortality to restore his mortal brother. Each could then live forever. So what if they divided their time between Mount Olympus and the underworld? We still get half of every year with Gemini in the night sky. Facing these empty cribs, I’d consider six months of dwelling with Hades for the gift of twins. 182 days with small hands in mine. If the underworld is utter darkness and doubt, I’m already there. As I labour up the midnight trail, I imagine the shattering dark beneath, but gazing up, I can’t ignore Venus and the vast constellations that light my way. I stumble to the summit, it’s a clear view but lonely, still I’m considering the bargain, until rising up over the mountains, Mawu, the moon, the female twin of Liza appears. And the goddess of the night, of motherhood won’t let go, Her moonlight shines on my bloodied feet. I understand now, that it’s all or nothing, I walk down the mountain in Castor’s shoes.