Achilleus' Lament for Patroklos

My eyes are set upon your pyre

    And for your death I mourn.

Your cheeks, once blushing, now are pale;

    Your flowing locks are shorn.

 

Beneath the shining silk that shrouds

    Your still, unbeating breast

I know the damage lies you took

    In battle's bloody test.

 

Staunch you stood, fearless you fought,

    Undaunted met your death,

And in the service of the gods

    You spent your final breath.

 

Then set the flames upon the pyre

    That send your soul below--

And when I have avenged your death,

    To join you I shall go.

 

T. G. 1/15/23