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''Odysseus in Contemplation of His Homecoming to Ithaca and Reunion with Queen Penelope'' Reprised

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When Odysseus returns home, his greatest battle isn’t with the gods — it’s with his own heart...


Far from this antique bay and moor,
     your plaintive voice sung for my soul,
and lifted me to Ithaca's shore.
     Can longing's echoes loudly toll,
and invite me to your front door,
     like gods that decreed from a scroll.

I sailed to Troy and far beyond,
     to go and fight an epic war.
Men joined, forming paired, loving bonds
     to be their bright and glowing North Star.
I took a boy, a vibrant blonde,  
     with whom I shared many battle scars.   

With Poseidon, the fates between, 
     the sea opposed us. But I loved 
the youth, Penelope my Queen.
     Please forgive us, my loyal dove,
and spare us from your jealous spleen,
     so Zeus sends no bolts from above.

I loved you, but desire's arrow,
     against my willpower pierced my heart!
Compelled by Cupid's dart and bow,
     we made love. To honor royal art,
I cede my throne: — but you can't know,
     loving you both tears me apart.
Without you, I was forced to grow?

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