Ganymede
Swift-footed bloom, gold-haired boyhood,
docile-bodied envoy of grace,
in lust I erred, soul backwards stood,
for what delinquence I embrace!
Pour out wine for my conviction,
from your olpe or walnut eyes;
upon the lyre, worn affliction,
Apollo's foresight alchemized:
a solemn hymn, distant, tendered
wounding mem'ry of nectared lips,
love's ideal in vain youth centered
and by my waning years eclipsed.
Theived, illicit honey splendour
cupbearer born of fleeced desire--
had you coyness to surrender
a new beloved would I acquire.
Aug. 05, 2025