Jealous Poem by gershon hepner

For the fragrant-bosomed Muses’ gifts be zealous,
and cherish notes from their melodious lyre,
and when the tender body ages don’t be jealous
of wine-dark girls who roil my seas with fire.

A twelve-line love poem by Sappho was reported in the TLS one year ago, and has now been published. The poet laments the passing of time as she compares the youthful bodies of dancing girls to her own weak knees and white hair:

You for the fragrant-bosomed Muses’ lovely gifts
Be zealous, girls, and the clear melodious lyre.
But my once tender body old age now
Has seized; my hair’s turned white instead of dark.


6/27/05