Messages to Odysseus
First Draft (transl. Katy Logotheti-Anderson)
Dear Odysseus
The suitors are all gone
some you cleared out, some ran away
No one left, no one to flatter my vanity
For twelve whole years you licked the boots
Of that short, horse-faced slut.
In the meantime, I grew older
Somewhat changed -
hips rounded, proud body
Shattered
You come back looking for (new) love games
My altered self-yields
I almost owe you this favour
If only I had a real suitor to punish you
Option: delete
Draft two (transl. Penelope Kolovou)
My beloved Odysseus,
I am writing on the laptop you bought me.
You slink, you miss no chance.
Yet
you were here, when the storm broke out.
My crooked body you adored
my surrealistic figure you kissed
remarkably you conserved the desire.
For this I forgive you.
Deep gratitude I owe.
(This room got uncomfortable.
I don’t know if I’ll send the e-mail.)
[The taxi stopped] (transl. Katy Logotheti-Anderson)
The taxi stopped with a jolt
A man jumped out in a hurry
I was on the balcony idly looking on.
Could it be you? Could you have come back in time
Before I left for the Women’s conference?
My heart leapt up
No chance! The stranger had something of you, no more
Anyway, we'll talk when I get back
Which is why I am leaving you this message.
I've cooked for you- see fridge, freezer
You know how to use the microwave
Kissing you while waiting,
Penelope
[Odysseus my dear] (transl. Katy Logotheti-Anderson)
Odysseus my dear,
I hope you have a great time with the lads
And, I'd like to add, that, despite your refusal to help me
I figured out the combination code that dogged me
Now I hope to finish my tapestry’s design
In other words- I manage fine without you!
[I write] (transl. Penelope Kolovou)
I write
a diary
I write messages
I write.
What would Penelope do without writing?
This is how she wrestles with the wear and tear, the time,
the lust, the fear, the despair.
Texts come some time to an end,
writing keeps as long as our own life.
Pay attention to how you read my messages.
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