Elaine Bench,
Response to Sappho, Two
I’m here awakened, though I have not slept,
As if from exile – subterranean haunts
Have been the empty places where I’ve crept
Until, now called, to answer all your wants?
You blamed our love on love itself, and now
Buy love itself to bring back love to you?
You offer beauty and delight, and vow
To let yourself be plundered through and through?
Well, woman, know it’s not that simply done:
I’ve had a life. I was dismissed. I’m not
That same sad girl. Not I. Not now. I’ve won
Some self-respect – I’ll not be crudely bought.
But if you promise this time love will be
Forever, love, then I might soon agree.
Response to Sappho, Two
I’m here awakened, though I have not slept,
As if from exile – subterranean haunts
Have been the empty places where I’ve crept
Until, now called, to answer all your wants?
You blamed our love on love itself, and now
Buy love itself to bring back love to you?
You offer beauty and delight, and vow
To let yourself be plundered through and through?
Well, woman, know it’s not that simply done:
I’ve had a life. I was dismissed. I’m not
That same sad girl. Not I. Not now. I’ve won
Some self-respect – I’ll not be crudely bought.
But if you promise this time love will be
Forever, love, then I might soon agree.
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