After Alcman

To hear the voices

Of girls singing the lovely song

They lead me toward the dancing ground

Where they toss their yellow hair

And soft feet dance

With desire that loosens limbs

But more meltingly than sleep or death

She looks me over

And not in vain

But she doesn’t answer me

Holding a garland like a star

In flight through the blazing sky

Or a golden branch or soft feather

She passes on slender feet

Moving through the band

The city’s darling

If she drew near

And took me by my tender hand

I’d instantly kneel down before her