Category Archives: Poetry

Pindar Isthmian 8 Kleandros of Aigina, Pancratium

Posted on March 6, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Pindar Isthmian 8 for Kleandros of Aigina, winner pancratium Translated by Steven J. Willett These are black-figure late 7th century BC vase paintings of pancratium boxing, the first showing the right boxer with a defeat index finger (both without gloves) … Continue reading →

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Sappho’s Lyric to Aphrodite for Love

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Sappho 1 D. H. Comp. 23 (vi 114ss. Usener-Radermacher) (+P. Oxy.) Translated by Steven J. Willett This is a red-figure kalathos vase of Sappho holding a lyre and plectrum as she listens to Alcaeus sing c. 470BC. We have no … Continue reading →

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Japanese Modernist Poet Nishiwaki Junzaburō, Ambarvalia

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Nishiwaki Junzaburō Ambarvalia Translated by Steven J. Willett Nishiwaki Junzaburō (20 January 1894 – 5 June 1982) Note: Nishiwaki was the first modernist Japanese poet. Between 1960 and 1967 he received 7 nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature including … Continue reading →

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An Original Poem on Matsuo Bashō

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

A Grave of Grasses: An Original Poem based on Matsuo Bashō (松尾 芭蕉) The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Steven J. Willett A block print of Bashō from the 18th century by Hokusai. Note: On May 16, 1689, Bashō … Continue reading →

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Pindar Nemean 8 on the Ajax Tragedy Revoking Homer

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Pindar Nemean 8 for Deinias of Aigina, Winner Diaulos Translated by Steven J. Willett A red-figure vase that shows Tecmessa covering Ajax’ corpse. Note: Pindar recounts the tragedy of Ajax far closer to the Sophocles tragedy Ajax and starkly revokes … Continue reading →

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Giacomo Leopardi Lyric Poem L’infinito

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Giacomo Leopardi L’infinito Translated by Steven J. Willett This is the original manuscript of L’infinito written in 1818 when the poet was 22. Note: While the poem can be given a highly negative interpretation, I think this is a distorted … Continue reading →

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Pindar to the Athenians: Nonsense to the Woke Generation

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

Pindar Fr. 75 Dion. Hal. de comp. verb 22 Translated by Steven J. Willett Note: Here is a list of names in the fragment with short explanations. incense-fragrant navelstone: Perhaps the the alter of the twelve gods in the agora; … Continue reading →

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Shakespeare is not “woke”

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Pat Lang

https://www.foxnews.com/us/william-shakespeare-ditched-by-woke-teachers-over-misogyny-racism “William Shakespeare, thou hast been getting canceled. An increasing number of woke teachers are refusing to study the Bard — accusing his classic works of promoting “misogyny, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism, and misogynoir.” A slew of English literature teachers told … Continue reading →

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Pindar Pythian 8, Aristomenes, Wrestling 446BC

Posted on February 13, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

  Pindar Pythian 8 Aristomenes of Aigina, Wrestling, 446BC Translated by Steven Willett   Athenian wrestling frieze 5th century BC   Note: Pythian 8 is one of my three or four favorites among the odes for its strong rhythmic movement … Continue reading →

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Pindar Pythian 4 Ode, Arkesilas Chariot Race 462BC

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Steven J. Willett

    Pindar Pythian 4 Ode for Arkesilas of Cyrene, Chariot Race 426BC Translated by Steven Willett 仕事が全部終わったら戻ってきます   Pindar c. 518 (Cynoscephalae, Boiotia) ~ c. 438 (Argos) Roman copy of Greek statue 15th century BC   Note: In this … Continue reading →

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