This is great. I especially like the dual meaning of the arrow with the mention of Cupid. I’d love it if you could try something similar with the story of Andromache - her tragic parallel?
PS Penguin Clothbound Classics have just brought out a pretty version of a retelling of the Odyssey - I’m hoping to buy it for one of the children and read myself - in case anyone is interested!
or if your skill to shoot is no match for your show,
then stay not longer than to say a shamed goodbye,
and let me weave alone my wistful waiting art.
Such lonely tapestries tell our time! Since Cupid's darts are mythically random -- inflaming one heart and souring the next: What of the arrows which glance off those hearts and ricohet into inadvertant ones, neither hot or cold but flat, noncommittal, fleeting, and poorly imagined -- Suitors. Ghosting whatever they embrace. That third errancy seems to have blossomed in the digital age. Odysseus, where art thou!
This is great. I especially like the dual meaning of the arrow with the mention of Cupid. I’d love it if you could try something similar with the story of Andromache - her tragic parallel?
PS Penguin Clothbound Classics have just brought out a pretty version of a retelling of the Odyssey - I’m hoping to buy it for one of the children and read myself - in case anyone is interested!
Who’s the author of the new Penguin Odyssey retelling?
It’s Geraldine McCaughrean 🙂
By Jove you’ve done it again!
Love the lines:
..if your strength is not an equal for the bow,
or if your skill to shoot is no match for your show,
then stay not longer than to say a shamed goodbye,
and let me weave alone my wistful waiting art.
Such lonely tapestries tell our time! Since Cupid's darts are mythically random -- inflaming one heart and souring the next: What of the arrows which glance off those hearts and ricohet into inadvertant ones, neither hot or cold but flat, noncommittal, fleeting, and poorly imagined -- Suitors. Ghosting whatever they embrace. That third errancy seems to have blossomed in the digital age. Odysseus, where art thou!
Marvelous! I am rereading The Odyssey right now (along with everyone else) and so moved by Penelope.
I've been thinking a lot about Penelope's story lately. Thank you for this excellent poem!
"and I will wait the coming of Odysseus." Well done, Kilby. I enjoyed this.