Steve Mentz

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Mandelshtam

September 1, 2010 by Steve Mentz Leave a Comment

Sleeplessness.  Homer.  Taut sails.

I have counted half the catalog of ships,

That caravan of cranes, the expansive host,

Which once rose above Hellas.

Like a caravan of cranes toward alien shores —

On princes’ heads godlike spray —

Where are you going?  Without Helen,

What could Troy mean to you, Achean men?

Both the sea and Homer — all is moved by love.

To whom shall I listen?

Now Homer falls silent, and a black sea,

Thunderous orator, breaks on my pillow

With a roar.

Filed Under: Sea Poetry, Uncategorized

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About Steve

Steve Mentz
Professor of English
St. John’s University
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