In the dwindling light of autumn Primrose Hill remembers springtime. Dressed in blue remembered verses, last year's memories shelter in the park; little swallows with crippled wings gather in the trees to dream of May and in between the quiet whispers of half-forgotten rhymes, I hear echoes from a life she once left beside the door. We sit in yesterday's derelict café sipping cold tea for hours. She speaks of mellow sunsets, her new life, and her cottage by the sea. I stay silent— words do not come easy to abandoned lovers. It's nearly eight o’clock. Wilted flowers shiver in a vase, the tablecloth is frayed and torn and the streets are getting darker.   Spring now seems so long ago. Part of the   Old Stories  cycle of poems A few words about the poem… Yesterday’s Café – The Melancholy Poems   "Yesterday’s Café," from the series “Melancholy Poems,” delves into themes of loss, memories, and the passage of time, rendered through a tableau of autumnal reflection. The poem begins with an evocative scene set in the fading light of autumn on Primrose Hill, which metaphorically “remembers springtime.” This contrast sets a nostalgic tone, reflecting on a past that feels distant yet lingering.   The imagery of "blue remembered verses" and "last year’s memories" conveys a sense of wistfulness. The use of “swallows with crippled wings” symbolizes dreams and aspirations hindered or unfulfilled, evoking a poignant sense of vulnerability and loss. These birds, dreaming of May, serve as a metaphor for yearning and the persistence of hope despite adversity.   In the poem's middle section, the personal tone intensifies. The quiet whispers of "half-forgotten rhymes" hint at fragmented memories and the lingering presence of a past relationship. The mention of a life “left beside the door” suggests abandonment and the residual impact of that departure.   The setting shifts to the derelict café, a symbol of decay and the passage of time. The speaker's silence contrasts with the woman's talk of new beginnings, highlighting the emotional distance between them. Her words about “mellow sunsets” and a “cottage by the sea” signify a fresh chapter in her life, in stark contrast to the speaker’s static, reflective state. The "cold tea" they sip further underscores the stagnation and chill of the moment.   The concluding lines encapsulate the sense of a time long past. The “wilted flowers” and “frayed and torn” tablecloth serve as tangible representations of neglect and the erosion of time. The encroaching darkness outside mirrors the internal fading of hope and warmth, reinforcing the poem’s theme of longing and the irrevocable passage of seasons, both literal and metaphorical.   Overall, "Yesterday’s Café" is a meditation on the enduring nature of memory and the bittersweet reality of moving forward while holding onto fragments of the past. The imagery and tone effectively convey the melancholy beauty of these reflections.

The first day of spring— purple hyacinths, lilacs, and lilies red carnations on our doorstep bread and wine on our table.   At night, she lies on our bed half-dressed in white and black lace. The ease of old lovers— breath to breath, body to body again, and again and again,   Later, I watch her sleep.   A sigh is dancing on her lips and suddenly I panic. A green mist rises and the scent of pomegranate fruit hangs heavy in the air. I know now she will leave me again.   September is knocking at the door. A few words about the poem…   Exploring the Cyclical Nature of Love and Loss in the Greek Mythology Poems | An Analysis of "Persephone's Return"   "Persephone's Return" is a poignant addition to the genre of Greek Mythology Poems, drawing upon the timeless tale of Persephone's annual journey between the underworld and the earth to symbolize the cyclical nature of life and love.   The poem opens against the backdrop of the first day of spring, painting a vivid picture of renewal with blooming hyacinths, lilacs, and lilies adorning the landscape, alongside the welcoming sight of red carnations and the comforting presence of bread and wine. Within this scene of seasonal rebirth, the reunion between Persephone and her lover unfolds with a sense of familiarity and ease, evoking the enduring bond between them.   However, beneath the surface of this idyllic reunion lies a subtle undercurrent of melancholy, hinting at the deeper themes of loss and longing. As the speaker observes Persephone sleeping, a sense of apprehension begins to take hold, foreshadowing the inevitable departure accompanying her return to the underworld. This impending separation serves as a poignant metaphor for the abandonment of one lover by another, in addition to the challenges inherent in rekindling past love affairs that have ended for reasons beyond one's control.   Using rich imagery and metaphor, "Persephone Returns" explores the complexities of love and loss within the framework of ancient mythology, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring struggle between attachment and detachment, longing and letting go. In doing so, the poem offers a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of human relationships and the bittersweet inevitability of change.

A poem for Anna, from the series Poems of Death and Grief, whose loss saddened and devastated us all. Rest in peace our dear friend. Five sat around the table eating ice cream and apple pie but in between the laughter and the sips of wine silence fell and talked so loud with all the words we left unsaid. Once, the road seemed so long a new adventure in each twist and every turn city walls with iron doors with parapets and citadels to burn. Soldiers of the revolution we stormed the rusty gates Che posters in all the bedsits Afghan coats and silver bells. How short the road is now. The old walls still standing strong our wrecked and ruined armies lying in tatters at the city doors. Four sit around the table eating ice cream and apple pie but in between the laughter and the sips of wine silence falls and talks so loud with all the words we leave unsaid.

I'm in awe of Pythia— an angry storm of raging fury. At night, she smokes roll-ups floating on the crest of a glass horizon; a sweet mist rises from her cigarette— it is the mist of her early sunrise. One by one, I lift her seven veils to find all my miscreant peccadilloes dwelling inside her tarnished mind. Pythia is now mine, mine all mine. Insanity grips us both and for such delinquent acts, those who guard her struggling purity, have cast us beyond the walls and city gates. In a smoked-filled salty cave, I lay crimson flowers on her breasts; the decrepit judge is incandescent— for many years he has thirsted for her night of honour. A surging hunger for this child of untethered frenzy scorches me. We are both made of clay and sin— two misfits sheltering in the same bell jar. She yields to me in the swan song of her white morning and I feast for days in the squalid darkness of her mind plundering her chaos of youth. My Pythia, a priestess of unsated lusts succumbs to all my unhampered heresies and all the oaths of her dwindling modesty hide in her blue and white lace. Part of the   mosaics   cycle of poems A few words about the poem… Unveiling Pythia's Poetic Exploration | A Journey into Erotica   The erotica poem of Pythia's odyssey unfolds a contemplative exploration of burgeoning desires in the cocoon of youth. This introduction to the poem seeks to unravel the nuanced layers embedded in the shadows of its verses, inviting a journey into the complexities of sexual experiences. Pythia's poetic dance delicately captures the essence of awakening desires weaving shadows into a realm where unspoken layers of human experience emerge.   A brief analysis of Pythia reveals an interplay of emotions and desires woven into its fabric. Navigating its subtle nuances using veiled metaphors invites readers to contemplate uncharted territories within the human psyche. The poem encourages intellectual openness, recognizing the diverse interpretations that may arise within the poetic discourse.   The exploration of Pythia's themes presents challenges within the societal context. The theme of youthful sensuality may evoke discomfort, challenging conventional norms and inviting scrutiny within the more conservative circles. This essay, prompts readers to approach the topic with intellectual openness, acknowledging the potential divergence of perspectives.   Within the discourse, this essay invites readers to engage in thoughtful analysis, dissecting Pythia's themes with academic rigour. The societal implications of youthful desires become a focal point, stimulating discussions on the transformative power of poetry in challenging norms and fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition.   In conclusion, this essay navigates the intricate depths of Pythia's verses, uncovering the subtle layers of youthful desires. It invites readers to contemplate the interplay of emotions within the context of sexual awakening, acknowledging societal norms' challenges and recognising poetry's transformative potential.

The goddess commanded silence!   She was raging; I had disturbed her reverie and though I said she was my only lover, she scorned me and told me I was a stranger. She broke my guitar, she burned my parchments and locked away all my songs inside a jar.   Yet all the profanities she rants, arouse me — I am seduced by the wasted purity of her youth.   Some days she vanishes deep into the forest and when she is back, she has the scent of jasmine blossom in her hair. She tells me once she loved a man who tried to mould her, but now she has broken free. Then she loads her fever on another's shoulder and leaves the mountain for days.   On violet-coloured nights, she sits by the shore looking at the horizon but he who once heard her cry at dawn will not return and my lover weeps.   Her lips taste of brine and the anger of the sea. I strum a broken chord on the guitar she wrecked but she reminds me of my oath of silence and orders me to leave her.   Then she lies on my bed with eyes half-closed and has the taste of May on her breasts. My green-eyed lover beguiles me. At last, I'm inside her twisted mind, a familiar labyrinth of lust and a myriad of delicious rooms of sheer depravity. Part of the   mosaics   cycle of poems A few words about the poem… The Tumultuous Journey of Two Poet-lovers Entangled in the Depths of Toxic Love   Embarking on the tumultuous journey of two poet-lovers ensnared in the depths of toxic love, the examination of the poem titled "Portrait of the Poet as a Lover" thrusts readers into intricate realms. This poetic exploration, employing a descriptive and evocative style, navigates through waves of emotion and passion, creating a narrative that may stir the reader's emotions.   The verses begin with a commanding directive from an unseen force – a goddess imposing silence. This stark introduction sets the tone for a narrative where external influences wield significant power over the poet's love experience. The poet conveys the goddess's displeasure at the disruption of a dream, shattered by the poet's intrusion. This serves as a prelude to the overarching theme—the consequences of deviating from societal and divine expectations in matters of love.   The poet confesses to being an outsider in the realm of love, revealed by the goddess herself. The ensuing destruction of the poet's guitar and the confinement of songs in an ancient vessel metaphorically illustrate the stifling impact of societal norms on creative expression. The poem's evocative language weaves a tale of artistic repression while allowing for layers of interpretation.   The recurrent motif of the goddess's curses and the later desecration of the poet's possessions act as a poignant metaphor for the destructive nature of toxic love. The poet's evocation of the goddess's temper conveys the profound impact of societal judgment on individual autonomy.   Yet, within the overarching theme of destruction, the poem introduces moments of heightened passion and excitement associated with toxic love. The goddess, despite her wrath, becomes an alluring figure. The poet's admission of being enticed by her curses and the seductive descriptions of her, with lips tasting of salt and the fury of the sea, portray a love that is both captivating and perilous. These moments of intensity, though fleeting, provide a counterpoint to the prevailing melancholy.   The central figure, the goddess, is characterized by enigmatic wanderings in the forest and her return with the scent of jasmine blossom in her hair. This complex portrayal hints at the dual nature of toxic love—elusive and unpredictable yet retaining a lingering sweetness. The poem crafts an image of a woman who defies societal expectations and embraces the untamed spirit of May, using the spring month as another metaphor. The dichotomy of her character adds depth to the exploration of toxic love, challenging conventional notions of morality and virtue.   As the narrative unfolds, the goddess shares a tale of a past love, a man who sought to control her but ultimately lost her. This revelation introduces a layer of irony, as the one who once faced restrictions now revels in freedom, loading her dreams onto another's shoulders and disappearing into the mountains. The poem's nuanced storytelling maintains the informative tone while adding layers of complexity to the thematic exploration.   The violet nights find the goddess alone on the shore, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The absence of the one who heard her first cry leaves the reader with a sense of abandonment and sorrow. The poem refrains from expressing sentiment but relies on descriptive language to convey the emotional weight of solitude. The use of colour imagery, such as violet nights, adds visual richness to the portrayal of the goddess's loneliness.   The concluding stanza introduces a moment of vulnerability as the goddess instructs the poet to leave. The purple bed, her half-closed green eyes, and the lingering scent of May encapsulate a scene of bittersweet farewell. The broken guitar string, symbolic of the poet's silenced voice, resonates with the overarching theme of societal suppression. The poem, in depicting the goddess's vulnerability, challenges the authoritative forces that dictate the boundaries of love.   In conclusion, the poem weaves a narrative exploring the complexities of toxic love. It navigates themes of societal judgment, artistic repression, and the dual nature of such relationships. The careful use of descriptive language creates a tapestry of emotions, allowing readers to delve into the nuanced layers of the poet's experience.

Each day at noon, I cycled in the pungent fumes of melting tar to a pubescent mirage on the water. We were bound to each other by ancient folklore of the land; I, the young protégée of the sea, seething, always unsated, and she the precious daughter of the master. Dressed in homespun blue she glided to the beach at 2 pm guarded by her father’s scathing psalms and holy hymn books. For many hours, I watched her lay on the rocks in an other-worldly reverie until I could almost taste the salt and seaweed on her sunburnt thighs. Whims of tortured youth— We gorged on sweet apricots and figs drifting on a raft we borrowed from a sightless minstrel. Vengeful monks nailed us on a cross without mercy for the sin of youth. We prayed for us, we prayed for Jesus and together sought refuge from the elders in the vastness of the cerulean sea. A few Words about the poem… A Coming-of-Age Poem | Exploring the Essence Love and Passion Within the bounds of the written word, reality merges with imagination to reveal a profound work—an allegorical and surreal coming-of-age poem from the collection Cyprus Poems by Chris Zachariou. It traverses the corridors of youthful awakening, where the ebb and flow of the sea mirrors the tumultuous path of self-discovery. The coast, enveloped in secrecy and whispered tales, sets the stage for this captivating poetic work—an exploration of love, desire, and the quest for understanding. Through its precise language, vibrant landscapes of emotion are painted, inviting reflection upon personal journeys with introspection and empathy. The tapestry of verses intertwines destinies, weaving together ancient legends and the ever-restless sea. At the heart of this poem lies the intoxicating allure of the forbidden, captivating the reader's imagination. Universal truths unfold with each crafted line, guiding the way to deep yearning and fearless exploration. Within the vast expanse of the poet's words, solace and comprehension await, revealing our shared human experience and the ceaseless search for meaning. The poem offers glimpses into the intricate corridors of our hearts, inviting the confrontation of longings and the rediscovery of our place within the tapestry of existence. This coming-of-age poem bears a profound reminder—that poetry echoes our collective humanity, drawing us closer to our truths and illuminating the paths we tread. The allegorical verses follow the transformative journey of the lovers revealing a deeper understanding of the complexities of youth, the allure of the forbidden, and the eternal yearning of the human spirit.

I loved you in the passion of the summer months yet the kiss of March still danced in your eyes. You smiled; I was beguiled. Desire swelled inside me and fever burned my thighs. Each day under cerulean skies we swam in the whispers of the sea. Waves were rushing to the shore to secret coves and fair sand dunes and I was consumed by madness. I bathed you in myrrh, I caressed your auburn hair and kissed the longing in your eyes. My hands quivered. My knees weakened. My body shook with lust. I removed your lacy garments and loved you with the lust of one in haste then lingered on your thighs all my life. I was insane by the allure of innocence and hunger for your youth. In exquisite nights of summer o ur flesh became one and nothing was forbidden in our quest for pleasure. But I lost you in the autumn winds. Your gown lies orphaned in my bed and it fills my world with sadness. The cold November days are looming and from beyond the misty mountains the mournful River Acheron beckons me to go. Read A short biography of Sappho the ancient world's greatest poet This poem is part of the Sappho collection of poems A few words about the poem… A Tribute to Sappho - The Universal Pain of Love and Loss   A poem that depicts a tender relationship between two women, exploring the theme of love and loss and the universality of heartbreak, regardless of gender. It is a reminder that the pain of losing a loved one is a shared experience that can leave us feeling alone and lonely. This poetic tribute to Sappho invites us to reflect on the nature of love and its ability to bring both joy and sorrow. and that loss is a part of the human experience.   As Sappho reaches old age without someone to love and be loved by, her loneliness is palpable. One can only imagine the life she has lived, lost in the pain of the loss of her love. The poem's themes of love and loss are timeless and relatable, reminding us that the capacity to love is what makes us human. Sappho's loneliness is a poignant reminder that life can be unpredictable and that we must cherish those we love while we have them.

At three in the afternoon the soldiers killed the poet but his voice fled to the Andalusian valleys. Nobody mourned his death. Nobody, nobody, nobody. Only a gypsy and a dwarf mourned the poet's death today. The padre does not mourn the poet. He has wept since the day he sinned with a child actress in the Grand Cathedral; but the child will come to him no more and the padre has been crying for years. In the cemetery, the grave digger waits. Why is the grave digger waiting for a corpse without a voice? No one in the town knows. The gypsy and the dwarf whimper. They are frightened of the man wearing a black sombrero and with jackdaw feathers on his lips. He has come to watch the play that no one in the town remembers. In springtime the orange groves scatter blossom on the poet's grave and a swarm of sterile butterflies pour out of the hombre's mouth. Alfacar is a town on edge. Who betrayed the poet today? Nobody in the town knows. Nobody, nobody, nobody. Read A short biography of Federico García Lorca   Spain's greatest poet and playwright A few words about the poem... A Tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca: Unravelling the Allegory in 'The Passion Play' and Echoes of the Poet's Haunting Legacy   In the quiet expanse of poetic musings, "The Passion Play," a tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca, unfolds as a profound tapestry, resonating with the solemn echoes of Easter rituals in Spanish and Greek villages, transforming into an allegory of Federico García Lorca's tragic demise. In the heart of this poignant narrative lies a stark observation: the poet, silenced by soldiers at the appointed hour of three, sees his voice take a flight to the tender bosom of Andalusian valleys—an ethereal departure witnessed by few, mourned by fewer.   The profound silence that ensues after the poet's demise becomes an unspoken chasm that reverberates through the verses. The public, stoic and unmoved, refrains from mourning the poet's fate. Only the marginalized—a gypsy and a dwarf—stand as the solitary mourners, their lamentations weaving a poignant dirge amidst the town's apathy. Lorca, in his evocative prowess, painted scenes of human sorrows, capturing the essence of the overlooked, the unheard, and the forgotten. In this allegory, those left behind echo the haunting emptiness left by the poet's untimely departure.   The padre, marked by sins committed within the grand Cathedral, weeps not for the poet but for a lost innocence. The child actress, a transient muse, will return no more, and the padre's tears flow perennially. Here, one can't help but draw parallels to Lorca's own struggles with societal norms, his confrontations with tradition, and the perennial conflict between his artistic expression and societal expectations. The padre's tears become a reflection of the societal discord that Lorca grappled with in his life and art.   The cemetery's grave digger, a mysterious figure in waiting, raises questions without answers. Why anticipate a voiceless corpse, and who holds the key to this enigmatic mystery? The town, much like Lorca's works, becomes a crucible of unresolved questions and unspoken truths. The answers to the grave digger's silent queries remain elusive, casting a veil of uncertainty over the narrative.   As the gypsy and the dwarf whimper, a mysterious spectator, draped in a black sombrero with jackdaw feathers on his lips, makes an entrance. His presence is enigmatic, a spectre drawn to witness a play forgotten by the town, injecting an element of suspense into the narrative. One can't help but draw parallels between this enigmatic figure and Lorca's own penchant for the mysterious and the symbolic in his works, particularly in pieces like "Blood Wedding" and "Yerma."   The orange groves, in their seasonal renewal, scatter blossoms on the poet's grave—a delicate reminder of nature's cyclical embrace, juxtaposed against the harsh reality of death. Here, the imagery evokes Lorca's deep connection to nature, a recurring theme in his poetry. The juxtaposition of life's continuity with the finality of death echoes the existential themes woven into Lorca's verses.   In a surreal and symbolic twist, a swarm of sterile butterflies emerges from the man's mouth, symbolizing a transformation that transcends the boundaries of the tangible and the metaphorical. The sterile butterflies, reminiscent of Lorca's exploration of life and death, speak to the ephemeral nature of existence, the fragility of artistic legacy, and the enduring power of artistic expression even in the face of mortality.   Alfacar, a town perched on the precipice and where Lorca is believed to have been buried in its nearby countryside, grapples with the unanswered question: who betrayed the poet? A question echoing through the verses, haunting the collective consciousness. Here, one cannot escape drawing parallels to Lorca's own tragic end during the Spanish Civil War—a life cut short by political strife and societal unrest. The unanswered question becomes a poignant reflection of the unresolved mysteries surrounding Lorca's death, a lingering enigma that permeates his legacy.

My love for The Son of Man and Christianity as a way of life is infinite, however, I find it impossible to believe in a metaphysical world. This poem is my own personal view of God, Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. Please do not continue reading if you are easily offended or intolerant of other peoples' views. This poem is largely inspired by the novel The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis. The softness of the girl; the hardness of the boy. We kissed— a touch; a sigh; a whisper and my fate was sealed. You were terrified; you struggled free falling onto the ground like a soul possessed. I touched your lips, I wiped your brow and you trembled in my hands like a hunted bird. I begged Him to let go but He is cruel and jealous and all is His and only His and He will never share. Seven sins came sailing from across the Galilee knocking on my father's door. H e cursed and told me I was the bride of Lucifer. A red light burns in my window night and day and some nights it feels like a thousand men have passed through my body. I writhe and howl on these sheets of soiled dreams and my gown is soaked in sin with the stench of paid-for sex . And all the time, I close my eyes and search for you in all the hungry hands and twisted mouths crawling up my thighs and battered breasts. Read all the poems inspired by The Last Temptation of Christ A few words about the poem… Desire, Temptation, and the Enduring Hope of Mary Magdalene | A Poem About God In this emotionally charged poem about God, we are invited into the world of Mary Magdalene, where her perspective and relationship with Jesus are explored through the lens of the novel "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Nikos Kazantzakis .   The opening lines juxtapose the softness of the girl, representing Mary, with the hardness of the boy, symbolizing Jesus. The poet captures a pivotal moment between them—a kiss that seals Mary's fate, forever altering the course of her life. The encounter between Mary and Jesus is marked by a mix of emotions. Jesus is portrayed as terrified and struggling as if possessed by inner turmoil. In contrast, Mary approaches him with tenderness, touching his lips and wiping his brow, as he trembles in her hands like a hunted bird. These poignant images convey a sense of compassion and vulnerability in their interaction, emphasizing the deep connection between them.   The poet introduces the theme of conflict, revealing Mary's plea to be released from the grip of God. He is depicted as cruel and jealous, unwilling to share His son and possessive of all that is His. As an alternative viewpoint, one may consider the sacrifice individuals might have to make for the greater good of society, with God choosing the latter option. This portrayal hints at the inner struggles and the challenges Mary encounters as she navigates her relationship with Jesus.   Drawing upon biblical and mythological imagery, the poet depicts the arrival of seven sins sailing from across Galilee, knocking on Mary's father's door. This event leads to a devastating revelation, as her father, in his anger, curses her, labelling her as the bride of Lucifer. This curse carries a weighty significance, casting Mary as an outcast, burdened by the perceived stain of sin and temptation.   Mary's subsequent existence is portrayed as one of turmoil and darkness. A red light burns in her window day and night, symbolizing a life consumed by low morality, desire, and temptation. The poet conveys a haunting sense of Mary's experiences, describing nights where it feels as though a thousand men have passed through her body. The visceral language used creates an atmosphere of anguish, as Mary writhes and howls on sheets tainted by her soiled dreams, and her gown is soaked in sin and the stench of paid-for sex.   Amidst this turmoil, Mary's yearning for Jesus remains unyielding. She closes her eyes and searches for Him during countless encounters with hungry hands and twisted mouths. The longing for connection and the desperate quest for redemption are palpable, as Mary wrestles with her desires and the perceived sins she has committed.   Through the exploration of Mary Magdalene's perspective, inspired by "The Last Temptation of Christ," this poem delves into the complexities of human relationships, desire, and the struggle for spiritual salvation. It invites readers to contemplate the depths of Mary's experiences, and the enduring hope that amidst darkness and turmoil, there is a possibility for forgiveness and redemption.

We were both exquisite dancers. Tranced in the scent of prime tobacco from the burnt-out valley, we twirled each day at noon on a highly polished music box all through the scorching days of summer. Such tours en l'air! Such arabesques! The Venetian Lion was delirious with illicit visions of seasons yet to come and perfumed nights still to savour. The god-fearing master was appalled. In vain, he struck his shiny copper bell summoning the errant child to school but the troubadour’s lightsome flute lured her into nights of cinnamon and into the arms of frenzied goblins. The danseuses and I recall the grandeur of her nightly moves; the diva was sublime. I took on the heavy burden of her youth — though such a task was never easy — and thanked her for her kindness. Now, I mourn the artless decades lost. Wrecked and wretched, the theatre still stands by the indulgence of the ageless censor but the prima ballerina has not graced its stage for years. A few words about the poem… A Coming-of-Age Fantasy Poem from the Cyprus Poems series In "The Troubadour's Flute," from the series Cyprus Poems, Chris Zachariou unveils a world of fantasy and coming-of-age emotions, crafting a poetic yarn that resonates with readers across generations. Through evocative imagery and poignant storytelling, he transports the audience to a bygone era in Cyprus, where the allure of youth, forbidden enchantments, and sexual awakening intertwine like a graceful dance. The Cyprus poem dances between the realms of reality and fantasy, painting a vivid picture of two exquisite dancers lost in the timeless beauty of their art. The poet's use of language conjures up the heady aroma of prime tobacco wafting from the burnt-out valley, setting the stage for a magical journey through the scorching days of summer. At the heart of the poem lies the profound connection between the two dancers, bound together in a world of music, motion, and the folklore of their land. The Venetian Lion, a surreal symbol of strength and majesty, becomes a witness to their enchanting performances, lured by visions of seasons yet to come and perfumed nights filled with untold promises. As the tale unfolds, a contrast emerges between the god-fearing master, disapproving of the dancer's alluring escapades, and the troubadour's flute, a symbol of liberation and unbridled passion. The poet weaves these elements together, creating a narrative that brims with tension and allure, reminiscent of the transitional period of adolescence. The danseuses' reminiscences add layers of depth to the poem, recounting the grandeur of the prima ballerina's nightly moves. Through their eyes, we witness the divine beauty of her performances, an ethereal display of grace and talent. The burden of her youth, gracefully carried by her dancing partner, speaks to the bittersweet essence of growing up and accepting life's inevitable challenges. The poet captures the fleeting nature of time, mourning the passage of artless decades. The theatre, another surrealist symbol, now wrecked and wretched, stands as a melancholic reminder of the passage of time, while the once-mesmerizing prima ballerina has not graced its stage for years, leaving an indelible void in its wake.

Candles flicker, the cantors chant and the solemn sermon of the priest fills the church with blackness. Longing for a scrap of comfort, I gaze at the austere Archangel standing sentry at the sacred gate. Fear and foreboding fill me. He has discarded his golden mail and clad in black, he grips a basket and a rusty scythe. His face is nothing but a skull —menacing, and savage. She rises silently, pale, and peaceful. Under the stern gaze of the saints she shrouds herself in candlelight and in the mists of olive leaves burning in the scented censer. I push, jostle and hurry to be by her side. "The boy is unhinged," many whisper. With hands entwined, we step out into the searing blaze of the noonday sun. Despondent cicadas hush their song and the grey old windmill stretches out its scrawny arms up to the Lord Jehovah. With a rusty voice, it demands an answer but the Lord is silent. Anguished, it stares at the spire in search of a shred of solace— fifteen weeping doves are painting the belfry black. Perched on the wall by the iron gate, we gaze at the yellow woodland where thirteen mimosas bloomed in May. “We were so happy then," she whispers and I realize I will live a willing prisoner among those blossoming mimosas for the rest of my days. Byzantine incantations and haunting chants echo in the sterile marble garden. The pungent scent of rosemary grows stronger and her lips have turned to an icy shade of blue. Mourners wail, and four sombre pallbearers lower her white coffin into an open grave. Part of the cycle of poems thirteen silk verses A few words about the poem… Navigating the Emotions of Loss and Grief: A Journey Through the Cyprus Poems Within the realm of poetry, emotions and experiences are distilled into words that resonate deep within the human soul. Poets have an uncanny ability to capture the essence of life's most profound moments and emotions, transcending the boundaries of time and space. Such is the power of poetry that it can encapsulate the complexities of human existence, offering readers a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that make us who we are. “The Epitaph,” a poem in the series "Thirteen Silk Verses" within the collection “Cyprus Poems,” delves into the realms of death, grief, and the human condition, inviting readers to embark on a journey of introspection and contemplation. Each poem within this collection is a brushstroke on the canvas of existence, painting vivid images and weaving intricate narratives that speak to the heart. As one navigates through this series, there is a gradual unveiling of the threads that bind human existence to the tapestry of life and death. The poems transcend mere words and become vessels for emotions that resonate on a deeply personal level. Themes of loss, sorrow, acceptance, and remembrance are woven into verses that capture moments of profound transformation and vulnerability. These poems act as windows into the human experience, offering a mirror to our own emotions and thoughts. "The Epitaph," the final poem in the series, serves as a culmination of this exploration. Set against the backdrop of a funeral, it encapsulates the raw emotions experienced by a young boy who has lost his beloved. Through his eyes, the reader is led through a series of hallucinations, reflections, and moments of acceptance. The poem takes us on a journey from the confines of grief to the expanse of memory, as the boy grapples with his feelings in the presence of sombre rituals and the landscape of the cemetery. The poems in the series “Thirteen Silk Verses” also reference the names of other tragic heroines like Ophelia, Eurydice, and Giulietta, drawing parallels between their stories and the boy's experience. This intertextual approach enriches the narrative by tapping into the collective consciousness of literary history, allowing the reader to draw connections across time and cultural contexts. As with the rest of the series, the poet's style is characterized by descriptive language that paints vivid images, providing readers with a window into the emotional world of the characters. The use of light poetic language creates an atmosphere that is both immersive and contemplative and guides the reader through the narrative without imposing judgments or interpretations. In conclusion, the series "Thirteen Silk Verses" is an exploration of the human experience through the lens of death and grief. The poems within this collection transcend the limitations of language, inviting readers to engage with their own emotions and thoughts. "The Epitaph," as the final chapter of this journey, encapsulates the essence of this series—sorrow, acceptance, and the enduring power of memory. It beckons us to reflect on the intricate threads that weave our lives, reminding us that poetry has the unique ability to capture moments of life's most profound emotions and experiences.

The poet with unbridled thoughts and the scent of fledgling sparrows on her lips rides bareback to the river on the preacher's scarlet mule. Baring her teeth, she hunts the piety of the mosquito hunter until her quarry whimpers and sails on his sterile raft until he finds her bathing in the river wearing nothing but the rattle of her designer chains. Under the of an aspen tree the poets revel in the sweet taste of failure and scorn the moonless landscape of success. Their unfinished rhymes writhe in sheer wantonness with the songs of blue wasps on a bed of fallen needles. Mired in the fever of this new swamp she flutters in his calloused hands and cries to her lover 'push me down and push me down until I taste the mud'. Part of the mosaics cycle of poems A few words about the poem… A Coming-of-Age Poem Unveiling the Enigma of Desire and Societal Rebellion In the enigmatic realm of "Poets in Love," the poet navigates a landscape where innocence recedes, giving way to the awakening of sexual desire. The scent of fledgling sparrows on her lips serves as a subtle metaphor for the burgeoning sexuality that permeates the narrative. The journey to the river on the preacher's scarlet mule symbolizes the poet's entry into the world of sexual gratification, a departure from the sheltered realm of unbridled thoughts. Baring her teeth, she becomes a huntress, pursuing the piety of the mosquito hunter—a seemingly meaningless occupation that succumbs to the poet's overt sexuality. As her quarry whimpers and sails on a sterile raft, the poet is found bathing in the river, adorned only in the banality of designer chains. The juxtaposition of the whimpers and the sterile raft suggests a surrender to temptation, while the designer chains embody a meaningless existence devoid of depth. In the shade of an aspen tree, the lovers revel in the sweet taste of failure, a commentary on those whose lives revolve solely around success. The moonless landscape of success is scorned, emphasizing the poets' rejection of conventional measures of achievement. Their unfinished rhymes writhe with sheer wantonness, intertwining with the songs of amoral blue wasps on a bed of fallen needles. The aspen tree emerges as a symbol of sobriety amidst the poets' rejection of societal norms, as they abandon themselves to the unbridled pursuit of sexual gratification. Mired in the fever of the new swamp, the poet flutters in her lover's calloused hands, illustrating an unconventional relationship between youth and age. The plea to be pushed down until tasting the mud encapsulates a complete and utter indulgence in newfound desires—an act of surrender that marks the discovery and embrace of sexuality. In essence, "Poets in Love" unfolds as a coming-of-age poem, where symbols and imagery weave a tapestry of mystery, hinting at the complexities of desire, societal rebellion, and the intoxicating allure of surrendering to the primal forces that shape the human experience.