The Cyclops Encounter

Polyphemus speaks:

I am Polythemus, the Cyclops that lives on an island full of vines, olive trees, and goats. My father is Poseidon, the god of the seas, so therefore I believe I can behave in any way I want without having consequences.

One sunny afternoon, I realize that my food accumulation is getting rather low. Sheep are my main source of food, because, other than goats, there are no other animals on the island, and sheep have the better taste. Before too long, I have a whole bundle of sheep to devour this night; the thought of their fluffy hair sloshing around in my mouth made me warm inside. I head back to my dwelling with the thought of luscious sheep roasting over the fire that was already burning.

As I force my delicate sheep into my cave I notice that there were other things inside that were new to me; creatures from a different land. I roll the boulder in front of the door, so the little creatures, whatever they were, could not escape. I give the runts a repulsive look, for they have two eyes and squeaky voices that ring in my ears. These are not the usual specimens found on the island, people rather, people from far, far away.

I pound my hairy chest and pronounce that I want to devour the little peoples, for I had never eaten such things before. There was always time for something new, especially when it came to food. I lick my fuzzy lips and reach my arm out to the fattest person I spot. He has no time to run, for my quick fingers wrap around him before he could even protest. As I tear his limbs apart in my mouth, I hear screams and panic fill the secluded area.

After I kill yet another creature, the little runts try to convince me to let them free. Adding to the tastefulness of the people, I also find them quite humorous. In exchange for their freedom they decide to offer me a present, a bottle of special wine. I never reject presents, so I take it, but little do they know I am still not going to let them free. With ever gulp of wine, I become more dizzy and light-headed. The cave is twirling round and round; I seem to be the only one feeling the spin. My feet are so sluggish and my eyesight blurry, so I do not even notice the furry sheep right next to my feet. I trip over it and crash to the ground.

I wake up; I did not even know I fell asleep. The only things I can seem to remember are the creatures being in my cave and my last words being that I was going to eat them. Thinking of the wellness of my sheep I move the boulder so they can get some sunlight. As soon as the boulder comes to a halt, I scream out in agonizing pain. My eye has been penetrated by some awful object. I know this was the doings of the people so I start a rampage looking for them. As my sheep run out, I check to make sure the people are not clinging to them to make their escape. My eye is throbbing and I hear a squeaky voice yelling from behind. I realize the people had escaped. In order to stop them I pick up the nearest boulder and throw it toward the voice. My eye will be of no use to me anymore so I curse the people and scurry back to my dwelling.

Author: Justine