PRELUDE TO DEFEAT
Posted by Admin on 31 March 2008, 12:00 am
When high on the Acropolis,
with lips to nubile breast we lay
encompassed by the Attic night,
your tears implored that I might stay.
But, dies the ox in garland gay?
Thus sacrificed are men for State.
The triremes at Piraeus weigh –
for Athens, Sicily is Fate.
With flesh-locked flesh we sank in bliss,
’til zephyrs, cooling ardour’s glow,
bestirred my cast-off chiton’s folds,
and chanticleer called far below.
But, flows libation’s vinous stream?
Thus pours the blood of men for State.
Fades Salamis as fades a dream –
for Athens, Sicily is Fate.
Above us loomed the imaged bronze –
against all wisdom you were mine.
And youth’s farewell, in passion sealed,
profaned with love Athene’s shrine.
But, wafts from altar incense sweet?
Thus dissipate our men for State.
With Nicias in full retreat,
for Athens, Sicily is Fate.
T. C. Hudson
© T. C. Hudson.
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