Introduction paragraph:
This is a poem created by Sappho, a female ancient greek poet. In this Poem, Sappho prays to Aphrodite, hoping Aphrodite can get her lover back by using the mighty power of god. According to the context, it's very likely that this is not the first time for Sappho to make such request to Aphrodite. In my opinion, this is exactly what makes Sappho so special. In Homer's epics, we often see women being portrayed as destructive monsters, or the award granted by war. To some, maybe this poem is in alignment with that sort of portrayal. But, I think the almost monstrous pa**ion expressed by Sappho is very beautiful, and amusing. In my opinion, only the best of the best writers have the ability to make their emotions and internal feelings come across to their readers through words. Because of the concurrent social development, Sappho get the idea of conceptualize and visualize the abstract feeling of hers. Thanks to the invention of coin currency, we get to take a sneak peak at the magnificence of one of the most pa**ionate minds.
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Hymn to Aphrodite
by Sappho
Translated by Diane Rayor
Sappho's Lyre (University of California Press, 1991)
On the throne of many hues, Immortal Aphrodite,
child of Zeus, weaving wiles -- I beg you
not to subdue my spirit, Queen,
with pain or sorrow
but come -- if ever before
having heard my voice from far away
you listened, and leaving your father's
golden home you came
in your chariot yoked with swift, lovely
sparrows bringing you over the dark earth
thick-feathered wings swirling down
from the sky through mid-air
arriving quickly -- you, Blessed One,
with a smile on your unaging face
asking again what have I suffered
and why am I calling again
and in my wild heart what did I most wish
to happen to me: "Again whom must I persuade
back into the harness of your love?
Sappho, who wrongs you?
For if she flees, soon she'll pursue,
she doesn't accept gifts, but she'll give,
if not now loving, soon she'll love
even against her will."
Come to me now again, release me from
this pain, everything my spirit longs
to have fulfilled, fulfill, and you
be my ally.
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Work Cited:
Aphrodite:
http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Aphrodite/aphrodite.html
Zeus:
http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Aphrodite/aphrodite.html
Sappho biography:
http://www.sappho.com/poetry/sappho.html
Origi of Lesbian:
http://english.pravda.ru/society/s**/24-08-2007/96325-lesbian-0/
Sappho's picture:
http://images.rapgenius.com/5d90e0b17c7a1a160eb2b83807f43aa0.726x1000x1.jpg
Throne of many hues:
http://images.rapgenius.com/eaf43b55255c047f3cff08bf70d94a9d.540x396x1.jpg
Zeus' Picture:
http://images.rapgenius.com/b015caa778c23840caa4302a3005f76e.296x300x1.jpg
Aphrodite's Picture:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/filepicker-images-rapgenius/ORVlVtVRHW0249KpgpbX_Birth_of_Venus_detail.jpg
Rose's Picture:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/filepicker-images-rapgenius/1v9KuskoQjOdpu7yhNls_pa**ionate.jpg