You saw me rising
Half-awake between
Dawn-clad reeds and bushes
My face defaced
By the sea and leeches.
Your pretty maids screamed
At my nakedness —
Scrambled across the beach
Knocked down castles
Beyond Ithaca’s reach.
You remained. Observed:
Wet dripping beard
And watchful olive leaves
Sweat brightened cheeks —
Oracular beliefs!
Nameless, your nightsong
Brought me back my name —
Nausicaa, I am not the guiltless
God of your dreams.
Giants, enchantresses,
Poseidon’s tantrums,
Hemlock ports — I led
My sailors through violence —
Saw compassion
Lost in dirgeless silence.
Time unfurls my sails.
I can almost hear
Ithaca’s seagulls’ cries:
Now, Nausicaa,
Untie me with your eyes.
