Would that I could rove the waves
In a large hollow black ship
To scuddle over the ocean’s back
And give my skulking foes the slip!
My hosts outfit me rather well
With a rich new set of gifts
Cloak and sandals, a blade of bronze
Just sent me out like this!
Sailing over the wine-dark sea
Avoiding all the traps
Charydbis and Scylla know
My men were made to last!
Through clashing rocks and Siren song
Go past Aeaea Isle
Don’t stop for the Laestrygonians
Their tastes are rather vile!
Cannibal giants, those terrible men
They match the Cyclops’ hate
Ripping ships and sails asunder
Dooming guests to ghastly fate!
Row around the House of Dead
Pay those specters not a glance
Stray far from Helios’ prized cattle
When facing gods, take not a chance!
At last we reach the sandy beach
Of Ithaca’s welcoming shores
Suitors holed up in our houses
Reaping of our stores!
Death to one and death to all
As arrows fly so fast
And mighty spears to help the cause
To kill those suitors to the last!
Thanks we owe to Zeus’ daughter
The pale-eyed one, to note
Resting now on safe home soil
No more burdens must we tote!
I love this poem. Turns out, I wrote it on Kambrie’s birthday years before we met. Thanks for reading.