Responses to American Poetry

The aim of this online space is to host the research work of university students or young scholars as this emerges from larger projects focusing on the American poetry scene. The objective of this initiative is to bring this kind of research activity to the attention of the general public in an attempt to further promote the exchange of ideas with regard to the process of reading, understanding and appreciating poetry writing.

Tatiani Rapatzikou 
(Associate Professor, School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Advisor and initiative co-ordinator trapatz@enl.auth.gr)

Magdalini Sdrolia

Troy

Youth and beauty
Θαρρείς η Κυπρογέννεια
Sweet mortal
Torturing the goddess’ chest
With your ivory-made sandals
Bathing in Scamander
Father
Embrace the divine Shepard
Covered by snowy clouds
Blessed be Alexander
Και ο γενναίος Πάρης του δοξασμένου Πριάμου ο γιος
Fates-fates weave their web
‘άρπαξε την Ελένη την ωραία
απ’ του θεόμορφου Μενελάου τη γη
Not yet a queen, neither an offering
A loveless lover
Oινώνη
The ashes nourish the blood
The split land-torn apart
(bond)
by Hera and Psyche
Για ένα πουκάμισο αδειανό
Two bodies unite in the flames

Fig. 2 David Jacques-Louis. The Loves of Paris and Helen (1788). Oil on canvas 144 x 180 cm. Musée du Louvre, Paris.

 
Fig. 1 Pieter Lastman. Paris and Oenone (1610).  The Loves of Paris and Oil on panel 25 3/4 x 43 3/4 in. High Museum of Art, Atlanta. Helen (1788). 

Meadow

The Sun
Two figures dancing under
Young maiden, pure breath, porcelain skin
Blushing, under her lover’s gaze
Loose braids
Shining armor against her breasts
Bow, arrow and a sword
Her lover
Flaming godly hands
Two gracious figures
Mistress and slave
Sweet lady press your knife
Darkness was first upon her neck
Blinding her vision
Revival, at last!
Alas, you fool!
Your lover beside you
Your lady-so virtuous-
Your body a target to her wrath
Remember your lover
So deep inside
Your eyes
Cry above the stars
For your lover
Sweet lady

Fig. 3 Sebastiano Ricci. Diana and Callisto, (1712-1716). Oil on canvas, 64 x 76 cm. Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice. 

Fig.4 Peter-Paul Rubens. Jupiter and Callisto (1613).Oil on canvas 202 x 305 cm. Museumslandschaft, Hessen Kassel, Hesse.

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