Psapfo 1 & 2

He dips his finger
into the tiny nectar jar

she quivers into a breeze
over the face of the ocean

Psapfo laments
a broken covenant

her ancient heart
flowing with a maiden's blood

she laughs in her delirium
a storm on the heavens

"tear my rich garments
tear me to shreads…

...this light between us
is a flame in my breast...

...holy Eros"

invisible
Aegean woman
kisses pearls from the thighs of the Psapfic poet

because sometimes
Zeus loves to taste
beyond the tenth part

About This Poem

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United Kingdom

Favorite Poets: Shane MacGowan

Comments

Psapfo

Hi, Dalton,
I researched a bit (and there is still quite a lot more) to try to fully understand your poem. It is lovely, sensual, and poetic. I know there is somewhat of a connection between Zeus and Eros - father and son? Which leads to parts 1 and 2? I plead ignorance to understanding Greek mythology, but did read that Plato himself coined Psapfo as the "Tenth Muse" due to her illustrious poetic creations, very much like your last line. Much to learn and enjoy here.
Thank you!
L

thanks Lavender

Psapfo (Sappho) born about 612 B.C. in either Eressos or Mytilini on the island of Lesbos, Sappho wrote lyric poems in her own Aiolic dialect, in which she referred to herself as Psapfo. Zeus yes he is the father of the gods in the Greek pantheon. Eros is the god of love and its many aspects but usually of a sexual nature over platonic. There are many myths of Zeus taking the form of lesser creatures to hide his amorous intentions toward human women from Hera mother of the gods. Although Psapfo, or Sappho was a real historical character and a favourite poet of mine the story of this poem is just extrapolation from the myths hopefully she would approve.

Thanks for reading John :)

thanks Lavender

not sure of the last line it was originally:

sometimes Zeus
loves to play
the female part

the idea for the tenth part comes from the Greek adage:

'If the parts of love-pleasure be counted as ten,
Thrice three go to women, one only to men.'

she quivers into a breeze
over the face of the ocean

*hugs, Cat

Psapfo 1 & 2

About This Poem

About the Author

Comments

Psapfo

thanks Lavender

thanks Lavender

Hi, Dalton

thanks Lavender

Thanks for...

thanks Geezer

dear Dalton,