[gaea]

Eternal Aphrodite. Zeus's daughter, throne
Of inlay, deviser of nets, I entreat you:
Do not let a yoke of grief and anguish weigh down my soul, lady,

But come to me now, as you did before
When, hearing my cries even at the distance
You slammed the door of your fathers house--
Golden! and hastened

To harness your chariot. Then pretty sparrows
Drew you forthwith over the dark lands,
Beating their crisp wings. From the outer spheres,
Down through the inner,

Steeply they descended. Ar last you, Divine Lady,
Beaming your unearthly smile at me,
Asked was I in distress once again ---for,
Why had I called you?

And what did my unruly heart demand
Of you now?"and whom do I urge this time
To return your generous friendship? Who,
Sappho has been stubborn?"

For if she avoids you soon she will come
Knocking;if refuses presents, will shower them on you; if she loves not, she shall love, and learn to be kinder.

I beg you, come. Free me from this oppression.
All that my heart longs to see accomplished,
Goddess, do it. No one could resist if you were fighting beside me

Alfred Corn