Sappho 31, translator Bronwyn C (March 2026)

 

Sappho 31

I see the light of a god in that person—
One of the people, yes, but with ears sharp as a bird that digs for its dinner in the earth
He sits opposite you, harkening as you mould
Sweet song
 
And when your charming laugh follows I truly lose myself—
My heart beats ruthlessly against my breast,
Thrusting to fracture these ignorant fetters that hold together
No-one
 
In truth, my tongue breaks and spills me out,
In a moment, the fire will peel from under my skin and split me open—
You are the apple of the eye of heaven, singing out
But damn me, I can’t hear a thing
 
I sweat and tremble but
To him, it seems all sport, hunting you, while I wilt like yellow grass
Discipline me, I beg, as I lie dying, train me to be you
Make this lovely song ring clear—
Give me the courage to bear it