It was the wedding day

Of Peleus and Thetis.

All gods invited,

But Eris was turned away.

Her discord was not wanted

And granted, she grew angry

And tossed a golden apple

Into the party.

Addressed

“To fairest goddess.”

Three came forward

To lay claim,

Hera, Athena and Aphrodite

And mighty Zeus,

Asked to mediate,

Declined politely

With some lame excuse.

He told winged Hermes

To take the three

To the shepherd prince of Troy, Paris;

On his immediate instruction.

Each goddess promised many things and more

If he chose them.

But Aphrodite offered Helen.

And after her abduction so began the Trojan war.