Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ABLUTION, by JOHN MYERS O'HARA


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ABLUTION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus drowsy atthis, laughing at my door
Last Line: "shall wreathe thy hair while thirsting for thy song."
Subject(s): Beauty; Desire; Flirtation; Sappho (610-580 B.c.); Women


Thus drowsy Atthis, laughing at my door:
"Sappho, I vow that I will kiss no more
Thy lips, and every loveliness, if thou
Shouldst still refuse to bare thy beauty now!

"O from thy bed unloosen every charm
Of all thy strength beloved in limb and arm;
And doff thy robe and bathe thee as the white
Lily that leaves the river for the light;

"And Cleis on thee, at thy glowing call,
A shimmering robe of saffron shall let fall;
And we, thy girl friends, in a vestal throng,
Shall wreathe thy hair while thirsting for thy song."





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net