This is an absolute treasure chest of poems by some of the greatest female poets of all time and a lot of care, thought, and love has gone into the selection and ordering of them for this post - not to mention a thorough knowledge of what has actually been written in multiple languages from ancient times until now. In common with you, Mike, I have a particular fondness for poems and fragments of Sappho, who I believe was the first poet ever to emphasise the importance of feelings and emotions in her work. What a fine little poem this one is, and how modern it sounds thousands of years after it was written! Excellent translation as always.
May the gods prolong the night
—yes, let it last forever!—
as long as you sleep in my sight.
—Sappho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
This is an absolute treasure chest of poems by some of the greatest female poets of all time and a lot of care, thought, and love has gone into the selection and ordering of them for this post - not to mention a thorough knowledge of what has actually been written in multiple languages from ancient times until now. In common with you, Mike, I have a particular fondness for poems and fragments of Sappho, who I believe was the first poet ever to emphasise the importance of feelings and emotions in her work. What a fine little poem this one is, and how modern it sounds thousands of years after it was written! Excellent translation as always.
May the gods prolong the night
—yes, let it last forever!—
as long as you sleep in my sight.
—Sappho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Yes, I believe Sappho was the first modern poet, 2500 years ahead of her time!
Wow, thank you. 🙏😊
I'm glad you liked it, thanks.