Oh my knee in horrid pain
For work and age are getting to me
And my body seeks to remind me
That I cannot do as I once did

But to you I pray for strength
To you I pray for fortitude
That I may stand proudly
And toil for what I need and want

You, great Hephaestus
God of the forge
God of those who bend their backs to work
And face the aches that accompany it

You, great Hephaestus
God of the lame and the injured
Giving inspiration and hope
That you stand with us all

You, great Hephaestus
Lord of the tamed fires
Strong of arm and hand
Striking iron into shape

You, great Hephaestus
Maker of great beauty
And utilitarian tools
That give us the means to prosper

To you I pray
With you I stand
Great Olympian God of struggles
Against all that may limit us

Art: Detail from The Apotheosis of Washington by Constantino Burundi

#pagan #paganism #hellenismos #religion #prayer