teach me of Odysseus
in poetic words bled
ten years
churned in the waking wake
of departing the nightmare
what did Odysseus see in the rear-view mirror?
the sacking of Troy was no small thing
was Helen worth it?
how would Hector respond?
Achilles?
perhaps Patroclus or Paris might weigh in?
any insight?
I sigh
The Iliad has been repeated over and over and over again
Men, Nature’s most destructive force,
the innards of the Trojan Horse,
spill out and spoil every pristine thing they touch
but teach me of Odysseus
how does man leave the fatal shore?
what demons must he destroy?
what storms, prevail?
how red the wake?
before the safe harbors of home
he makes
~
Words and Photography ©2019 Tanya Cliff ~ to contact me
Posted in poetry & free verse.
Absolutely, stunningly beautiful and inspirational, Tanya! You’ve really outdone yourself in this one! I love it!
Thank you, Jonathan! There is a play called “An Iliad” that you might want to check out, if you haven’t seen it. It explores this theme in deep and profound ways. Have a wonderful week!
Thank you, and you too! 🙂 🙂 🙂
https://youtu.be/9j9cnK8qH3c
This is the version I saw.
I will! 😊
Wisdom to the core in this poem, Tanya.
Thank you, Hélène! The mythology behind it moves and fascinates me. Glad it resonated! Have a great week! 😊
A good week ahead for you Tanya. Enjoy!
Wow, just wow!
Thank you, Kunal! Blessings your way, my friend! 😊
Bless you, too, Tanya!
of course a lady is worth it. 😉
You always make me smile, Jim! Thank you! Enjoy this beautiful spring weather!
This is poetry dear Tanya. I left my home many times. Men are foolish. We must test life and what we can do. We learn too late. We already have what we need. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Thank you so much, John, for the generous comments and the share.
And for your friendship and support! Have a a wonderful week!
You are welcome Tanya and have some fun and be safe.
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Please read the work of the talented writer.
A delicious poem and exploration of the trials (and many fails) of man. May we find our way back home to love.
Absolutely! Thank you so much! Have a great week!
Reblogged this on davidbruceblog #2.
Thank you for the share, David! Have a great week!
You’re welcome. You also have a great week.
I recently saw a stage production of Trojan Women based on a newer translation that more explicitly presents the suffering faced by the women of Troy after Troy was invaded. They were the collateral damage of all the war making.
The term “collateral damage” is so removed from the realities of carnage. I will check the play out. Thanks for adding to the dialogue, Robert! Have a great week!
It is the height of euphemistic language. The translation of the production I saw was done by Irish author Brendan Kennelly in 1993, and he was influenced by the history of his own country. You have a great week as well, Tanya!
I will. Thank you!
“Men, Nature’s most destructive force,
the innards of the Trojan Horse,
spill out and spoil every pristine thing they touch”
dynamic…
Tanya,
I absolutely love the voice of this poem.
Thank you so much! I love the theme and hope to play with it more soon. Have a great week!
Another Shakespeare has arisen from the ashes. Awesome❤️
I am incredibly humbled by that. I am so glad you liked it. Have a wonderful week, Kathy! ❤️
Thank you and blessings on your week!
Beautifully written with historical metaphor,dear Tanya!!sorry for being late to reply.love you❤❤❤❤
No apologies needed, Aruna! Thank you and many hugs your way! 💕💕💕
nice T!
Thank you, M! 😂
Have a great week, Michael!
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
Thank you for the share! 😊
Wow, profound again dear Tanya!
Has spring arrived at your end of our globe too? The weather-man promised upcoming week lots of Sunshine and warmer temperatures. This woman of the Sun is vibrating and can’t wait to spend lots of time in the garden 🙂
Sending a big hug again! Oh wait…how’s your book writing going? Any exciting news you can share? XxX
Hi, Patty! Thank you so much!
Yes, it is finally getting warm and staying warm. I have some spring flowers in bloom already.
Book writing is still going. Last few months of winter got crazy, but I am still progressing. I will keep you posted. Many hugs your way! 😊
Gorgeous ,dear Tanya!!most beautiful try to teach of Odysseus in background historical events.Absolutely truth of human life.i am most impressed from this poem.this poem is a masterpiece in poetry world,my dear friend!!🌺🌻🌷🌹🍁
Thank you, Aruna! Wishing you the best in 2020! 😘
😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍
Hey, thanks for the visit ❤️
My pleasure! 🥰🥰🥰
Love this poem, Tanya! Thanks for sharing this with us at the Go Dog Go Cafe today.
Stephen
Thank you for the “Level Up” Challenge and the warm welcome back! It took some word wrangling to hit four prompts. 😂😊😂