Sappho

Poem 31

(translated by Anne Carson)

            He seems to me equal to the gods that man
            whoever he is who opposite you
            sits and listens close
                        to your sweet speaking
 
            and lovely laughing – oh it
            puts the heart in my chest on wings
            for when I look at you, even a moment, no speaking
                        is left in me
 
            no tongue breaks and thin
            fire is racing under skin
            and in eyes no sight and drumming
                        fills ears
 
            and cold sweat holds me and shaking
            grips me all, greener than grass
            I am and dead – or almost
                        I seem to me.
 
            But all is to be dared, because even a person of poverty…