Koreman Poem 2
Sappho, [I asked myself] (date unknown)
This short poem written by Sappho, an ancient Greek woman poet, perfectly and succinctly describes Sappho’s relationship with her love, who she compares to Aphrodite. Sappho was in love with a woman and in this poem is able, in a few short lines, to capture the angst she feels about her love for this woman. She is questioning her relationship with her, pondering on why her love maintains her relationship with Sappho even when Sappho feels she has nothing to offer. The short succinct poem encapsulates the feeling we’ve all probably felt towards a loved one, the anxiety that comes with trying to ensure your loved one’s happiness. Sappho asks a question she knows she cannot possibly answer. By comparing her love to Aphrodite she is comparing the woman to a Greek goddess. Comparing her love to the goddess Aphrodite helps Sappho to further develop the image of her love being something more than human, almost holy like a goddess, and perhaps this causes Sappho even more anxiety because she may not be worthy of this woman. The angst Sappho feels is the direct result of the love relationship between herself and this woman.
[I asked myself]
By Sappho
By Sappho
I asked myself
What, Sappho, can
you give one who
has everything,
like Aphrodite?
like Aphrodite?
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