Pandora's Box

Pandora’s box was full of butterflies,
that’s all. Forbidden knowledge, curses laid
on men, diseases, age and trouble—lies.
And hope? The only good thing ever made
from woman’s curiosity? She had
it all along. That’s why she cracked the box.
She found the world a sombre place, and sad
but knew it could be colorful. No locks
could stand between Pandora and her heart’s
desire. No well-meant husbandly command,
“keep off, don’t touch,” could stop her. Subtle arts
were what she used—she made no stern demand
but soft-persuaded Epimetheus
to undergo some metamorphosis.