A Sacred Prize
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse
Gods used to care about men’s singing love
And poetry. A victory in song
Made up of music and male words above
The rest in contests was akin to strong
Success in battle. Victory held out
From her divine himation in her hand
A cithara that caused a hirsute shout.
The men acclaimed the poet like a band
Of soldiers yelling “Níki!” after war:
Men cared about the singing and the ode.
Their acclamation was a virile roar.
His singing and his poetry both glowed:
..The ode was made of glory and of praise.
….The lines and music made their concord blaze.