Fragments Based on Fragments by Sappho
Fragments Based on Fragments by SapphoBy Writers at Hedgebrook’s Raise the Roof Party at Town Hall, Seattle, 2013Assembled and interpreted by Judith Walcutt Yet, I am notMinded Deathless Aphrobeautiful moon glittering, shines on earthhorsemenGlittering mouths become lighta clear honest truthas strong as a full,pounding, red, red, rose come from heavenwrapped in a purplecloakI spoke to you, Aphrodite, in a dream…Mad for you, mad for me;mad for my mind, filled with longing Prefer those who are wearing flowersEmptiness. There are no wordslove is considerationmoon is down beautiful thingsreddening high on the branchlament for usHoneybees devour wasps “I cannot work the loom” warp or weft—I amthreadlessA naked body; in love or regretA daughter, golden and beautifulMy love, I would not trade all the riches in the world for you.with a voice of longing, she sang the amens louder than burned with longingI might not be a reliablenarrator of my own lifeThe mermaids, swimming beneath the waves, draw waterdeep into their lungs and exhale satisfaction. Stepping sweetly, urged on by your eyes Mountain hyacinth…but you have forgotten me…prefer those who are wearing flowersShepardRemember, we did many She runs, she refuses, she loveswithout her daughterBut come with your heart openyou are holy becauseyou are youDear mothLovely brought youMoltenMountain hyacinth Come to win youBe here, byLady Hera,Help in lovely handfuls, here supplied,To dare with or to leave behind.Come to Yanwi , ACDC They gain there, and , andCome Glorious HeraBe here Lovely LadyHelp me answer you The apple branches, coldHoneysuckle cupsmixed with a festive joyHere, Cyprian, delicately He is somewhat dyingA purple flower found, one loom for a slender boyThyone’s Crete where the groveblack earth snares, long to win… Not forgotten, but one theyCouldn’t reach…LongingAnd I’m an inch from dyingMy legs, fleet as fawnsGrieve the dance Human can or not, I never knowWhat today will bring me—nouns or verbs.