Anticleia



Here in the darkness I can only weep, My soul alone and twisting in agony. How dare you, you cold, lifeless bride of death! Have you no heart, no mercy, no respect? Now hear my cry and see if you can feel. Our son, Laertes and mine, Who was our only joy, lost in battle, lost at sea, Lost to all he loved, Odysseus his name. If but I'd known that fate would turn a leaf And shine her light through those storm clouds of doom... Years I waited, for news, for return, But fruitless were my wishes and my prayers. My mind set only on death, My body followed suit. But all in vain, the one life I gave! What cruelties of the gods above! Deceived me they did! Lured me down to death Just to learn that my son was alive, Roaming this world and fated towards his palace home. Just now I saw, and my heart broke again With the beauteous face of my own son... If only you, so queen of worms and earth, Had felt a heart amidst your frozen flesh, My boy and I could properly unite!