Category Archives: Willett

Hölderlin’s Ode to The Gods (Die Götter) Translated by Steven J. Willett Here is a picture of Hōlderlin’s Tower in Tübingen Note: This poem uses the accentual version of the alcaic strophe. For those who might want to learn the … Continue reading →

Sappho 2 Ostracon Flor. (prim. ed. M. Norsa, Ann. R . Scuola di Pisa vi, 1937, 8 ss) Translated by Steven J. Willett Note: This lyric was scratched on a potsherd from the 3rd. century BC. It may not have … Continue reading →

Pindar Isthmian 8 for Kleandros of Aigina, winner pancratium Translated by Steven J. Willett These two black-figure vase paintings of pancratium come from the late 7th-century BC. The first shows the end of a boxing match as one fighter raises … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

  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 →