Page 106 - MIL-OSC

on the rock of aulidas
to the memory of Konstantinos Kavafis
Strike me heaven’s thunders
Strike me sturdy winds.
here I kneel, on the Eubean rock,
like Agamemnon before he sets out for Troy.
O Phoebus, you stretch my muscles like a bowstring,
guide me with your sun arrow.
Where the Phoenician vessels moor
and the Alexandrian daybreak rocks,
where savory in arid temples blossoms,
and mothers’ faces are like wizened quinces.
The boat will break the roaring waves
and I shall reach havens unknown
that wind and cries insistent
of Cyclops and Laestrygonians,
hunting me in my sleep, bring forth from the haze. I won’t be soothed without them.
Although I shall anger strange gods,
not for mermaids’ songs nor ebony incense shall I reach the shore
but for Odysseus’ wave
that can steer clear of death.
My home’s between the shores,
my heart of a wandering bird is torn.
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Aulida, May 2002