Unlike Other Men

Another old high school assignment haha. We had to write a poem about the Odyssey. I had chosen Calypso (her POV) as my focus.

The only shadow that exists is

A cloud that sits in the headland

weeping salty raindrops, 

tears that could swell the oceans

He wishes for something less,

less than paradise.

You are unlike other men; 

from the very beginning, you were the one I desired, 

enough to offer you immortality.

To reject that, 

a goddess’s bed,

and an island that amazes even gods!

For seven long years you have turned a blind eye, 

as if Ogygia was merely a mirage in this watery desert

How can you long for a woman who cannot match me, 

of land that may no longer remember you?

Your mind eludes me,

you weep daily,

wasting, grieving your life away, 

yearning for idle notions,

but you do nothing to achieve your dream.

I am not the source of your affliction.

This island does not hold you prisoner

As I do not hold you prisoner,

You yourself holds you prisoner.

I don’t understand.

No more.

No more tears.

What suffering you have wrought upon yourself.

And what pains you caused me, 

when you left,

Odysseus.

Reviews

[...]

I like how you build poem. Very beautiful mythologic architecture. I can feel this your leitmotiv . Very precise with real human emotions.

[Chryiss]

Thank you! Since Odysseus is the main focus on the book, I had wanted to try looking at him through the eyes of Calypso who had been more, perhaps, negatively portrayed.

[Mark]

Well constructed and evocative. Perhaps the human penchant for irrational behavior would baffle the gods don't you think?

[Chryiss]

Thank you! An hahaha, yes indeed! I love mythology of all cultures and origins. It is rather amusing seeing how humans and gods interact. Humans can be irrational, but that's part of what makes us so fascinating.