I love classicists

[anepicpoet]

Today I received a postcard from my old roommate in Chicago. The front has a picture of a cardinal. It says "Illinois State Bird" at the top and "Cardinal" at the bottom. The following poem is written on the back:

'Cicada'

Not only do I sing and sing for free
While purched sure-footed
In the topmost branches of a poplar tree,

Not only do I make my high-strung music
for the lone uncaring
Passerby and take my meal at the banquet

Table of a drop of dew, but much as the muses
Love me for those gifts
Made in their name, you'll no doubt be amused

To learn it thrills me more that I've been cut
And inlaid on Athena's
spear, an encomium to her goddess flute.

-Leonidas of Tarentum (trans. Sherod Santos)

I love being friends with classicists.