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from the Greek Anthology

Of Birds and Flowers

Letters from Nossis in Lorci, 3rd C., BCE

1. Homage to a Bird

 Grieve at her graveside, smile and linger with Rinthon
of Syracuse... that brightest of singers, whose
voice was her own, her loves the leaves of laurels:
that modest, that smallest nightingale of the muse.

greek bowl
2. Oral Tradition

No flavour, no scent can surpass the sweetness and power of love:
I am Nossis – and I suspect you know what I mean.
I burn for its testing taste on my tongue... more than for honey.
Lilacs of Cyprus loved by Thomas Land: rejoice
in the nectar, songs and moans and cries of your yearning flowers.

Thomas Land


If you have any comments on this poem, Thomas Land  would be pleased to hear from you.

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