The Classicist for Susan Connelly

by Kendall Merriam

She changed my mind
on the way home from Shakespeare’s summer place
no political stance, no food riot
just how much she loved Robert Fagles
for his translations of Homer
it caused me to buy a set
later to send one to the Empress
I have to confess
I have not read both
all the way through
I do not know if my eyes will hold up
but there the books are, beside my bed, waiting
the life of ancient earth
giving a solid base of learning
of our little harbor and the islands
of the Greek Sea
It brings me away from the Maine Coast
to the coast of the Universe
where stellar Giants wreak havoc
with bronze swordplay, Greek fire
and knowledge of the mind’s freedom
where we ride to our destinies on Pegasus