Ulysses
After Twenty Years Estranged
You wouldn’t believe, Penelope, things I’ve seen;
I barely believe myself. Such wonders in the wide,
wild world. But no beauty above your own, greater
now even than when I left, unwilling, to tear down
walls at Troy and slaughter hapless men whose
only sin was to raise a sword or spear against me.
But even after, I went not unmolested. The gods
themselves seemed incensed at my success,
one I fear is nothing to brag on, as I merely did
what was necessary to survive, for what more
can a man do but to live to the next moment?
Oh my love, faithful Penelope, can you forgive
my long absence? The necessity I caused for you
to prove as wily as me in spurning those suitors,
and the further need that I should reveal myself
to you in the savage act of clearing your house
in showers of blood? Is there no end to struggle?
Your youth deserted you even as I succumbed
to sirens, witches, cliffs, and the son of Neptune,
even as I spent guilt-wracked nights in Circe’s
tender though demanding embrace. And yet
never so beautiful as now and here with me
in this our bed of true marriage, for though
my flesh has betrayed you, never did my heart.
Twenty years estranged, and yet I find you now
more the blushing bride awash in beauty and pride.
David M Pitchford
8 May 2008
Filed under: Xenoneoclassicist Poetry, aging, ekphrasis, fantasy, myth, nude, nudity, poem, poems, poems about paintings, poetry, poetry revolution, sex
:). The Picture and the Poem go so well together… I wonder though, what does Penelope feel? Was she glad for his return so much that she will turn deaf to - “for though my flesh has betrayed you, never did my heart” ? Ah, if only I could travel back in Time. :). Loved the read.
You know, I was wondering the same thing myself. Maybe I’ll go write Penelope’s response, if inspired somehow. I need to go back and read the Odyssey to do it - and her POV - justice.
-Nicole