Ithaca, Ithaca, Ithaca.
Behind your iron gates
I was once a prisoner.
Beyond your high walls
were lands I had to see,
new faiths I had to embrace
and old Gods I had to bury.
From far away I could hear
the Siren's Cry—the angst of Youth
wistful and enchanting.
In spring, she came to me,
an untamed wild beast who
embraced me in her light
and I fell in love with my Siren
and her song.
Together we laid siege to old cities
until their walls came crashing down
and a new world was breaking in.
Our beautiful Circe came in June
and loving Circe was so easy.
My Siren strummed her love songs
and soon we were lost in her as she
was lost in us.
Now she is gone and I miss her love.
The Siren too vanished by September
but the memory of her love song still
echoes in my mind.
Ithaca, Ithaca, Ithaca my beloved land.
I’m back, my journey now is almost over.
A few words about the poem...
A Coming-of-Age Poem: A Lyrical Odyssey of Passion and Self-Discovery
In this allegorical coming-of-age poem from the series Cyprus Poems by Chris Zachariou, we embark on a transformative journey alongside Odysseus, the protagonist of the ancient Greek epic, as he navigates the realms of passion, longing, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Ithaca, his homeland, Odysseus finds himself imprisoned by the iron gates and high walls that confine his spirit.
Driven by an insatiable desire to explore the unknown, Odysseus is lured by the mesmerizing calls of the Sirens. Their enchanting melodies beckon him, promising new experiences and enticing possibilities. Succumbing to their allure, he ventures forth, leaving the familiar shores of Ithaca behind.
As Odysseus embarks on his odyssey, he encounters Circe in June, a captivating enchantress whose love is effortless and intoxicating, who becomes his lover and guide. In the embrace of her light, he discovers newfound strength and courage, and together they lay siege to old cities, dismantling the walls of tradition and convention. Odysseus falls under her spell, while the echoes of the Siren's song from his youth still linger in his mind. But by September, both Circe and the Siren have vanished, leaving Odysseus yearning for their love and companionship.
With the echoes of their enchantment fading, Odysseus realizes that his heart longs for the familiar shores of Ithaca, his beloved homeland. The journey, filled with both triumphs and heartaches, draws him back to where it all began. Through the trials and tribulations, Odysseus undergoes a profound transformation—a true coming-of-age, where the pursuit of freedom and self-discovery intertwines with the depths of passion and longing.
As the narrative of this poem unfolds, the reader is invited to immerse themselves in the evocative imagery and poetic language that paints vivid landscapes of Odysseus' Odyssey. It offers a mesmerizing exploration of human emotions, the power of love, and the eternal quest for personal growth and liberation, capturing the essence of the human spirit and the timeless pursuit of finding one's true self.
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