They came by sea on their small skiffs Poem by Aurélia Lassaque

They came by sea on their small skiffs. They came with plaited beards and solemn eyes to announce a shepherd had stolen a queen. Ulysses joined them, weapons in hand, a smart helmet on his skull. But before setting off he made a pledge. May his soul be damned should he perjure himself.

He says "return" she hears "departure", he says "victory" she hears "loneliness", he says "forever" she answers "never".

And so the old women take to wailing once again.
Terrified, the dogs gnaw at their rumps.
She wraps herself in a shroud.