Ibykos Fragment 286, circa 564 BCE
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Come spring, the grand
apple trees stand
watered by a gushing river
where the maidens’ uncut flowers shiver
and the blossoming grape vine swells
in the gathering shadows.

Unfortunately
for me
Eros never rests
but like a Thracian tempest
ablaze with lightning
emanates from Aphrodite;
the results are frightening—
black,
bleak,
astonishing,
violently jolting me from my soles
to my soul.



Preposterous Eros
by Michael R. Burch

“Preposterous Eros” – Patricia Falanga

Preposterous Eros shot me in
the buttocks, with a Devilish grin,
spent all my money in a rush
then left my heart effete pink mush.

Keywords/Tags: Ibykos, fragment, translation, Eros, Aphrodite, Thracian, tempest, lightning, jolt, soul, spring, apple, trees, river, flowers, grape, vine, shadows

Ibykos Fragment 286, circa 564 BCE
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Come spring, the grand
apple trees stand
watered by a gushing river
where the maidens’ uncut flowers shiver
and the blossoming grape vine swells
in the gathering shadows.

Unfortunately
for me
Eros never rests
but like a Thracian tempest
ablaze with lightning
emanates from Aphrodite;
the results are frightening—
black,
bleak,
astonishing,
violently jolting me from my soles
to my soul.

Keywords/Tags: Ibykos, fragment, translation, Eros, Aphrodite, Thracian, tempest, lightning, jolt, soul, spring, apple, trees, river, flowers, grape, vine, shadows



Preposterous Eros
by Michael R. Burch

“Preposterous Eros” – Patricia Falanga

Preposterous Eros shot me in
the buttocks, with a Devilish grin,
spent all my money in a rush
then left my heart effete pink mush.

I was for him
agape
abandonment in its purest form.
what of he never said
if sacrificing myself or him
the two of us, we never swam in pristine waters
the ripples
- as in feeble whispers -
always seemed to spoil the truth

in my eyes it was both.
your obedient student, dear teacher
I was needed
as you were by me
fawning, adoring,
caught in the waves
and never the flood had been so welcomed
and never drowning in it would feel more just

selfless
you yearned for my presence
I would ever accompany you
from afar
my dreams, hollow cave
you, forceful sea tide defiling the rock

once upon a time I was neither yours
nor mine to spoil
I belonged to my lonesome tears
as the scorching cold ate away my fierce apathy

for you I would have enjoyed every second
my eyes caught yours too many times
my feverish skin fewer
I regret so much

what your hand has never done



( eros )

like blood, it drips
the honey from your lips
running along
the gentle curve of your neck
the sharp edge of your collarbone
between the heart and ribs
down and further
pooling on Venus

the water swirls your hair
pearls on your silken skin
the love in your eyes
hooded, dilated
colors bursting from their seams
and hot as cold
violets blossoming in the night
rose buds perking, opening
as does the cave of your mouth

Can I compare thee to a flame of fire
when time has stolen the words from my lips.
Cliche upon cliche grows to inspire,
the death of a rose at the thought of your kiss.
The crash of a wave as you enter a room,
Time stops as I await your gaze.
Drench me in your water, succumbed to Neptune
What purity remains, I allow to raze.
Choked by the smoke, leaves me breathless,
I gasp for air, desiring nothing but relief.
Thoughts intoxicating my mind - shan't confess,
for the love of an innocence crying for peace.
Try as I might, Eros' three sharp knocks.
It is the key to the furnace that you hold to unlock.

As honey billows from a hive
Words satisfy my mind
The sweetest dew breathed out of mouths
Mists my skin in Eros
My heat rises and bubbles the molasses in my head
Slow hands stir its thick syrup and enjoys its warmth and feel
Caressing down my cheeks
On my tongue and into my lips
harmony pleases my inner itch

Bas le masque
Dulcinea del Toboso !
Bas le masque
Aldonza Lorenzo !
Bas le masque
Idolâtres !

Aphrodites  de tout acabit
Dames de mes pensées
Invisibles Dulcinées
Dont j 'essuie les refus
Pour chacune de mes avances !

Mes feuilles, mes flammes, mes âmes !
Vénérées comme je n 'ai jamais été aimé !
Priées comme je n 'ai jamais été désiré !
Chantées comme je n 'ai jamais été embrassé !
Caressées comme jamais on ne m'a honoré !


Vos panoplies diverses et variées de Muse de chevalier errant
Ont pu jadis faire illusion auprès des fous errants
De triste figure et autres Rocinantes
Mais don Quijote de la Mancha
Est transi dans la place !

Fuyez Aphrodites vulgaires
Venez à moi Aphrodites célestes
Déployez en moi animus et anima
L 'énergie d'Eros.

Défiez-moi par vos énigmes
Questionnez-moi, jouons
A qui sera le moins sage
A qui saura lire entre les lignes
Des lèvres philosophes de l 'autre
Les chemins de traverse qui mènent au bonheur

Je suis Philon ! Soyez donc ma Sophie !
Je suis Salomon ! Soyez donc ma reine de Saba !
Vous êtes Désirée ?  Et muse si affinités ?
Adoubez-moi  Napoléon, prince consort !