Although this poem isn’t set in any particular time or place, it was written at the very start of the 21st century when narratives around women, society, and mythic influence were shifting. This poem explores themes of truth and deception through the lens of a woman’s voice; the woman is calculating and destructive, as well as imposing, but unable to fully express herself. It suggests that women of this time period have to strive for absolute authority in order to have any sort of influence on those around them, and that even when that power is attained they will still come up against obstacles that impede their ability to be heard. Additionally, this time period saw a surge in interest in world myth, particularly Greek myth, and Medusa came to be viewed in a new light as an assault survivor rather than...