Fragment 5

Archilochus

Ἀσπίδι μὲν Σαΐων τις ἀγάλλεται, ἥν παρὰ θάμνῳ
ἔντος ἀμώμητον κάλλιπον οὐκ ἐθέλων·
αὐτὸν δ’ ἔκ μ’ ἐσάωσα· τί μοι μέλει ἀσπὶς ἐκείνη;
Ἐρρέτω· ἐξαῦτις κτήσομαι οὐ κακίω.

One of the Saians (Thracian tribe) now delights in the shield I discarded
Unwillingly near a bush, for it was perfectly good,
But at least I got myself safely out. Why should I care for that shield?
Let it go. Some other time I’ll find another no worse.

Translated by Douglas Gerber, 1999

The works of Archilochus, are viewed as famous by Greeks and even Romans as the works of Homer. The above poem was so famous that it became a connecting thread for latin poets for hundreds of years. In a world of Homeric heroes, many famous poets would make reference to throwing away their shields.

Every day I select a war poem, and respond to it, generally in poetic form. But perhaps not. Each poem grabs at something a little differently. Sometimes the themes blend together, sometimes they contradict. Many poets, were veterans themselves, others not. Their perspectives vary, and the poetry does in response. I’ll continue to do this as long as I keep finding poetry that explores novel or meaningful themes. You know, until the well runs dry.

My rifle, my weapon

One mind, any weapon
Am I, or this, my rifle

These hands awaken, eyes divine
Shoulders direct, feet obtain
My target, a target, any target
This rifle, any rifle, any gun, or blade

Mind concedes, grasp hold, my hands
Assault, defend, target acquisition
Similar result, central point penetrates
Bludgeons, eviscerates, eliminates

Armorer delivers tools, to weapons
Cold steel, to ready minds, steady hands
Wield violence, force, hostiles eliminated
Armorer inspects, tags, weapons returned

Photo by Elimende Inagella on Unsplash