On the Porch

Ruins of Cyzicus in present-day Turkey.

by Brett Rutherford

     From Anon., The Greek Anthology, vi, 341

A ship-mast on a temple porch —
what business has it here?
Does the hill-top intend
a sea-voyage? No, citizens,
this antique jigger-mast
once stood at the rear
of a great trireme,
sail shading the rows
of sun-burnt oarsmen.

Warriors it carried
to glory and fame. Athena
herself designed it,
and thus, Cyzicus ranked
first in ship-building.

Rewarded this temple was,
first ever consecrated
this far to the East
to the Tritonian maid.

The ship, and drawn plans
for more like it, sailed
to Apollo in Delphi,
with offerings of gold.
Spartan ships splintered
before its thrust,
and Persians trembled
to see it coming.

Solider or sailor, nod
to the well-crafted ship
that brought your forebears
home in safety. Garland
the deck and give thanks
for safe passage
of Poseidon’s dark
and roiling sea.