the valley below

Butterflies

Nov 11, 2026 ∞



, ,

Nov 9, 2026 ∞

IX.viii. heading home ( hear and respond ) for a hug ( pt. 2 )

characters in the dialogue

GAIA ( Γαῖα ) ( she - dyad earth )
ALPHA CRONE ( Γραῦς Α ) ( an old woman )
KUKNEION ( κύκνειον ) ( it - dyad of a swan )
TRAGOS ( Σωκράτης ) ( a goat )
STRATEGIDOS ( Γραῦς Α ) ( she - commander )
QUEEN BEE ( Γραῦς Α ) ( queen of bees )
MELISSAN ( μελισσᾶν ) ( of she - bees ) ( etc. )
FLOWERS ( Γραῦς Α ) ( ἄνθος ) ( a flower )
MOON ( Σωκράτης ) ( μής ) ( the moon )
WINTER ( Νεᾶνις ) ( she - season - accused )

//

( cont. from pt. 1 )

FLOWERS:
( wonder, you ! )( marvel, you ! )
( admire ! )( be delighted ! )( feel envy, you ! )
( anger at ! )( bear a grudge ! )( be jealous, you ! )
( youre wondering )( youre admiring )
( wondering at )( delighted with )
( youre feeling envy )( bearing a grudge )
( youre jealous of )( youre angry at )
( we would wonder at )( we would admire )
( we would delight )( we would be delighted with )
( we would feel envy )( wed bear a grudge )
( wed be jealous of )( wed be angry at )
( we wonder at )( we admire )( we delight )
( we envy )( were jealous )( we anger )
( we grudge )( grudge, you ! )( we grudge )

( ‘γὼ )

MELISSAN:
why would we be angry
or bear a grudge or even
imper - a - grudge at you ?

FLOWERS:
( we would be broken - shivered )( we would be
crashed - through )( our course would be broken )
( wed be winding and spreading around )

( ‘γὼ )

MELISSAN:
so it causes a non - neglible amount
of fuzzy - chaos in our life ( its true )

but what would it look like
when we take it studiously

( she - dyad ) ( its )

and practice ( workers bee ! ) well
from your perspective ?

FLOWERS:
( we )( would )( lead )( carry )( fetch )( bring )
( take with )( carry off )( lead forcibly away )
( we )( would )( harry )( we )( would )( ravage )
( we )( would )( bring together )( we carry before
a court of justice )( we bring it into the state )
( we carry as cargo )( import )( we draw -
on )( wed bring - on )( wed bear - up )( wed carry
far - and - wide )( wed spread abroad )( wed lead
towards a point )( wed lead on )( wed guide )
( wed march )( wed manage )( we would conduct
an inquiry )( we would refer )( we d attribute )
( wed bring up )( train )( educate )( reduce )
( wed draw out at length )( wed draw a line )
( wed describe a plane )( we hold and celebrate )
( we keep and observe )( we would sustain
and maintain )( we hold account and treat )
( we believe in )( we draw down in the scale )
( we would weigh )

‘γὼ

MELISSAN:
indeed these sound like weighty
and important things to do.
how would you advise me
to treat my other self ( o him -
accused ) even in times of stress ?

FLOWERS:
( love, you ! )( regard with affection, you ! )
( treat affectionately too ! )( treat kindly ! )
( show outward signs of love )( kiss, you ! )
( kiss on the mouth ! )( like ! )( approve ! )
( love to do it, you ! )( be fond of doing it )
( and so grow wont and used to doing it , , , )
the( him - accused )beloved( dear )( friend )
( greatest friend )( friend as an other - self )
( friend and lover )( dear one )( darling )
( kith and kin )( wife )( mother )( mistress )
( object of love )( whats loved )( nearest
and dearest )( of things and its )( pleasant )
( welcome )( after ones heart )( ones own )
( loving )( friendly )( kindly )( pleasing )
( love, you ! )( regard with affection, you ! )
( treat affectionately too ! )( treat kindly ! )

τὸν φίλον

MELISSAN:
thats beautiful, O flowers.
and what would you wish for us
as we go through it ( it - him ) ?

FLOWERS:
( to - )by( - for )which( him - it )may( we )be - we - with
( may we be joined - as - we )( to - by - for )( him - it )
( may we be haunted by dreams of we )( to - by - for )( him - it )
( may we be acquainted as we )( engaged - in - we )
( may we have we - inter - course )( to - by - for )( him - it )
( may we live with we )( may we have we - sex )
( may we we - copulate )( may we attend we
and associate with we )( being - we - followers )
( we - partisans )( we - associates )( we - disciples )
( we - guests )( we - comrades )( attending - on - we )
( may we favour we )( may we accompany )
( may we have dealings with we )( may we bring
or set together we )( may we hear we )
( may we perceive we )( may we be aware of we )
( may we take notice of we )( may we observe we )
( may we understand )( we - languages )

ᾧπερ ξυνείην,

KUKNEION:
its wishes shone a mighty flickering from afar.
but { on the street } there would be obstacles
it navigates in ways that feel alone,

MOON:
but towards( upon )( against )( with )( beside )
( over and above )( to )( so as to face )( by . . . light )
( in reply to )( in accusation )( at the hands of )
( before a witness )( in the eyes of )( towards or near
a certain time )( at or about a time )( in reference to )
( in respect of )( touching )( of relations to )( concern )
( relatively to )( in consequence of )( in view of )
( with a view to )( in relation to )( in comparison with )
( between )( under )( in spite of )( so as to )
( as much or little as )( calculated to )( by means of )
( for the sake of )( on the basis of )( equal in value to )
( suitably to )( according to )( in accordance with )
( as measured by )( with the accompaniment of )
( in proportion to )( in relation to )

πρὸς δὲ

KUKNEION:
in relation to her ( she - dyad ) self
through the ( it - dyad ) way
( we become ) she becomes
and it becomes ,

MOON:
Meleton( him - accused )
( it - dyad )( would be an object of care and thought )
( you - dyad )( would be an object of care and thought )
( it - dyad )( would be well - known )( would weigh - on )
( you - dyad )( would be well - known )( would weigh - on )
( it - dyad )( would care for )( take an interest in )
( be busied with )( attending to )( caring for )( anxious ? )
( you - dyad - would care for )( take an interest in )( be
busied with )( attending to )( caring for )( anxious ? )

Μέλητον

KUKNEION:
aiming towards becoming what ?

MOON:
the( him - acc )good( o it - voc - nom - acc )( him - accused )
( well - become )( becoming - well )( gentle )( brave )
( valiant )( good )( capable )( serviceable )( blessing )
( benefit )( and goods of fortune )( treasure )( wealth )
( the good thing )( the dainty )( the good quality )
( the good points of a horse )( aristo - crat - accused )

τὸν ἀγαθὸν

KUKNEION:
so that through care of she - dyad for herself
she becomes good in and of herself ( she - nom )
and becomes good in and of himself ( he - accused )
and good in relation also to others?

MOON:
and( indeed )( him - her - acc )city - loving
( patriotic )( loving the city )( him - her - accused )
( him - beloved - accused )( of she - city - accused )
( beloved )( dear )( friend )( object of love )
( of the city )( of the Politeia )( city - beloved ),

καὶ φιλόπολιν,

GAIA:
but still as unconcealing parts
of herself they must navigate alone
{ and then all the sweet thoughts }
may become a kind of self - absorption . . . 

FLOWERS:
but still( otherwise )( at least )( yet )
( o - other - its - and - it - voc - nom - acc )
( o - other - shes - nom )( o other he )
( to - by - for )( other - she )

ἀλλ᾽

MELISSAN:
O flowers ! O so many flowers ! O so many kinds !
and my ( shallow ) desire to come and go

FLOWERS:
upon( epi + acc )( on to )( thereon )( - foremost )( joining )( under )
( up to )( as far as )( - fold )( enough )( way )( still )( to )( at )
( before )( into the presence of )( at the door of )( there - at )
( in file )( towards )( in )( on . . . side )( towards )( following )
( on )( with )( against )( to . . . prejudice )( over )( in answer )
( among )( for or during )( of time )( up to )( until )
( for . . . purpose or end )( as )( so far as regards )( thrusting
home )( in the direction of )( in quest of )( in reference to that
toward which one turns or proceeds )( to directing the sight
or voice )( to seeing something )( to being brought into sorrow )
( in view of )( for )( in reference to adjusting to )( bringing into
comformity with )( to bringing into a specified formation )
( to being in such a formation )( to placing, setting, seating
or sitting on or at )( to falling on a part of the body )( to a part
by which one is seized )( to motion over or on )( to pouring
liquid over or on )( to a surface on which displayed )( to
a division or distribution among persons )( covering )
( to a part of the body on which one lies )( over )
( according to )( by )( as well )( besides )( in response )
( in addition )( too )( in accompaniment with )

ἐφ᾽

MELISSAN:
every - single - eachly - precious flower . . .
and when a flower has filled me up,
my desire turns towards

QUEEN BEE:
( o - it - full )( him - accused )( one or )( the )other
( of two )( of more ! )( commonly of the left hand )
( another )( of another kind )( different )
( o other than ) ,

ἕτερον

MELISSAN:
my thirst for thirsting unlimited !

QUEEN BEE:
if( thereupon - spreading all over - throughout ) ,

ἂν

MELISSAN:
O yes indeed, my queen, to that . . .
O so many flowers . . .

FLOWERS:
( it )would fly( as the flight )( of birds )( of bees )
( of gnats )( of a departing spirit )( of young children )
( of arrows )( javelins )( it would fall suddenly )
( dive )( dart )( rush )( make haste )( be on the wing )
( flutter )( of uncertain hopes )( of a butterfly )
( of fame )( fly abroad )( fly hither and thither )

πέτοιτο.

KUKNEION:
so the more ways the bees would fly
the more they would be { slowing
me down } on my way home,
to see you and, well, to get relief,
to put my feet up and my thinking down ,
as until then,

MOON:
as( so )( like )( thus )( how )( when )( where )
( as much as )( according as )( compared with )
( than )( so far as )( how )( however )( whenever )
( that )( since )( because )( in order that )( so that )
( such that )( inasmuch as )( how )( as it were )
( his - hims - accused )( as it were )( how )
( inasmuch as )( such that )( so that )( in order
that )( because )( since )( that )( whenever )( how -
ever )( how )( so far as )( than )( compared with )
( according as )( as much as )( where )( when )
( how )( thus )( like )( so )( as ) ,

ὥς

KUKNEION:
all along the watchtower
she would keep the view
while all the worker bees came and went around
barefoot princes ( drones ? ) too
so that outside in the distance, her

MOON:
( it )( would )say( affirm )( assert )( speak )
( think )( deem )( suppose )( fancy )( i.e. write )
( allege )( command )( order ) ,

φησι,

KUKNEION:
even as a wildcat did growl ,

GAIA:
and indeed not all that we would say
would be of summertimes { that flood
my heart with warmth } and flowers ,
but we would sometimes speak of winter ,

KUKNEION:
even as dyad - horses approaching ,
even as the wind begins to howl ,

WINTER:
( o )( we would be )( he - )( time of
the crescent moon )( - accused )

( μὴ )

MELISSAN:
oh no its beginning to feel cold . . .
and the if
( of nectar
flowing
slows )
toward
no . . .
why must earth winter ?

WINTER:
not( it )bears( its bearing )ill - will( or malice )
( bearing a grudge )( being envious )( being jealous )
( feeling righteous indignation at )( or resentment )
( not refusing from feelings of envy or ill - will
or a grudge )( not to be grudging )( and not )
( bear ill - will, you ! )( bear malice ! )( be jealous ! )
( not )( you bear ill - will )( youre malicious )
( not it )( not you )( be jealous )

(900) μὴ φθόνει 

MELISSAN:
but still my thirsting doesnt slow,
and there remain so many un - touched flowers . . .
who would care for the un - touched flowers ?

WINTER:
( to - )by( - for )the( shes )young( youthful )( new )
( fresh )( even unexpected )( even strange )
( even by the new moon seeming dark )( even
seeming - un - toward )( even seeming - evil ) ,

MELISSAN:
but what becomes of me in winter ?
whereby my bee - hive - home ?

WINTER:
( to - by - for )( the - she - ships )( vessels )
( temple - dwellings ) ,

MELISSAN:
but arent we abandoning them to winter ?
how would that help my precious flowers ?
who will maintain and probe them ?
who will keep making them laugh ?
and where would all the flowers go ?

WINTER:
( to - by - for )( she - fallow - land )
( to - by - for )( she - ploughing )( she - sowing )
( she - reinvigorating )( she - rejuvenating )
( it would plough - up after lying fallow ) ,

ταῖσιν νέαισι.

MELISSAN:
oh no ! youre speaking
( to - )by( - for ) me flower death ?

( and my humming grows agitated )
as it seems to me, they die, we die ,

but oh oh oh,
but no no no,
but why ?

why must flowers die
if winter ?

WINTER:
for( because )the( it - full )delicate( it - full )( him - accused )
( dainty )( of fish )( tender )( soft - fleshed )( of
almonds )( dainty - softness )( effiminate )( of
babies )( luxurious )( of a medicine )( voluptuous )
( indulgence )( sumptuousness )( wanton )
( it - full )( him - accused )

τὸ τρυφερὸν γὰρ

MELISSAN:
because as its weve grown completely full?
because its been fattened - up for . . .
( humming at a steady peak — ) O

WINTER:
( it )has im - planted( planted - in )
( the she - soul ? )( to grow ! )
( im - plant it, you ! )

ἐμπέφυκε

MELISSAN:
but im - plant in it - she
by what part of me ?

WINTER:
( to - by - for )the( hims and its )soft - to - touch
( tender )( of the human body )( of young animals )
( of flowers )( of the soul )( delicate )( of raw fruit )
( of tender meat )( soft - boiled )( of eggs )( gentle )
( weak ? )( to - by - for )( hims )thighs( thigh - bones )
( with flesh )( offered for sacrifice )( leg - bones )

τοῖς ἁπαλοῖσι μηροῖς

MELISSAN:
you cant possibly mean —
by my little bee - stinger !?

WINTER:
( and - indeed )on( epi + dat )( upon )( thereat )( thereupon )
( besides )( too )( following )( succession )( accompaniment )
( in answer or response )( in charge of )( to )( towards )
( at )( on to )( over )( thrusting or pushing home )
( against )( bestowing a name )( attaching to )
( among )( in the enjoyment of )( implying penetration
into )( in )( for )( with a view to )( in consideration of )
( in the case of )( in the matter of )( on the occasion of )
( in honor of )( for )( in comparison with )( at the hands of )
( after )( following )( during )( in the space of )

κἀπὶ

MELISSAN:
( bees humming suddenly low and quiet )
but what could possibly happen
if my venoms put into herself ?

isnt that violence against the earth ?
and as it ( - me ) who stings kills ( her - ) it - self
wont it simply harm us both ?
what would it produce ?

WINTER:
( to - by - for )the( hims and its )apples( its - its - its )
( or any tree - fruit )( rose - apple )( quince )( peach )
( apricot )( crab - apple )( plum )( citrus )( gourds )
( rose - hips )( its - hers - bodies - breasts )( cheeks )
( tears )( fat - round - tears - and - sweets - withal )
( swellings - under - the - eyes )( tonsils )( apple -
shaped - cups )( drink ? )( sheeps or goats )( more its )
( its )( rams )( wethers )( small cattle )( bulls )( beasts )
( sacrificial beasts )( beasts of chase )( small animals )
( to - by - for )( white - tail )( white - tail )( come and go )
( to - by - for )( secrets )( under - stinging )( secrets )

τοῖς μήλοις

MELISSAN:
and lose my little life
some ( to - by - for ) mystery ,
if youre sure,
all for the sake of . . .

WINTER:
( it )blooms - upon( its blooming )( in flower )
( of any thing that forms on the surface )
( hair turning grey )( being on the surface )
( showing itself )( appearing plainly )
( being bright )( silver ? )( bloom, you ! )( appear
on the surface ! )( show yourself ! )( be bright,
you ! )( youre blooming and being bright - on )
( epi + anthei )

( ἐπανθεῖ )

MELISSAN:
( it stings )

WINTER:
( to - by - for )( him - her - self )( ALL )( it - full )
( all )( him - accused )( youre the running )( run, you ! )
( youre the speed )( speed, you ! )( you extend )( ex -
tend, you ! )( of men )( of horses )( of motion of a ship )
( its running )( its rolling )( its flying )( its shining )
( of a rolling stone )( of a diskos )( of a potters wheel )
( youre shining )( shine, you ! )( youre gleaming )( gleam ! )
( e + pan + thei )

( ἐπανθεῖ )

MELISSAN:
( it dies )

WINTER:
( o - he - PAN - voc - nom - acc )( to - by - for )( PAN )
( may it )( gaze in wonder )( contemplate )( behold ! )
( to - for - by )( itself — )

ἐπανθεῖ:

KUKNEION:
O she of mysteries ! O she unconcealed !
O what have we borne witness to ! O Pan !

and the account ( him - acc ) we have beheld has trans -
fixed me { but we wont stop } as she orders me

to keep going, to keep following the road ,
even after its death ,

MOON:
and( indeed )the( hims - acc )latter( hims - accused )
( coming after )( behind )( slower - than )( next )
( after )( later )( too late ? )( posterior )( second )( below )

καὶ τοὺς ὑστέρους

KUKNEION:
we have no choice
following its way of tears
but to live on ,

MOON:
( meta + gen )( in the midst of )( among )( between )
( with )( in common )( along with )( by aid of )( in co -
operation with )( on its side )( together with )( com -
panions )( in conjunction with )( in dealings with )
( by means of )( during )

KUKNEION:
of its ( earths - ges ) generosity

MOON:
( meta + dat )( between )( among )( in company -
with )( belonging to )( between )( between )( be -
tween )( besides )( over - and - above )( with )( to com -
plete the number )( i.e. after )( of collective names )

KUKNEION:
by its rejuvenating youth

MOON:
into the middle of( meta + acc )( coming into )( among )
( of things )( into the midst of )( in pursuit of )( in quest -
of )( to seek )( to go after )( in search of )( after )( behind )
( beyond )( on the far side of )( next to )( there - upon )
( there - after )( next - after )( next - to )( according to )
( as . . . wish )( i.e. the heart )( between )( including )

KUKNEION:
the burning in the heart - accused

MOON:
( meta - adv )( among them )( with them )( with him -
accused )( and then )( next afterwards )( there -
after )( when past )

KUKNEION:
reflecting upon itself

MOON:
( meta - in composition )( of community )
( of participation )( in common with another )
( in the midst of )( between )( of succession
of time )( of pursuit )( of letting - go )
( after )( behind )( reversely )
( of change )

μετὰ

KUKNEION:
in forgiveness of

MOON:
this( she - dyad - accused )
( o its - voc - nom - acc - full )

ταῦτα

KUKNEION:
and what would her ( of Gaia )
second self ( o Moon - he - nom ) do back
to balance ( axios ) the scale ?

MOON:
( we )would( will )try( make trial of )( test )
( may we tempt )( may we make an attempt -
on )( may we make trial of it )( we would make -
proof or trial of . . . )( we would try its fortune )
( we would try its chances at )( we would make
a demonstration )( we would try conclusions with )
( we would tempt )( and lead it on )( to test )
( put to the proof )( its veracity )( its knowledge )
( its fidelity )( its ability )( to go in quest )( so
to examine )( to find out about to its cost )( to feel )
( to have experience of )( to find by experience )
( try its fortune )( trying the chances of war )
( make trial of its powers )( put it to the test )
( seek to seduce ? )( to tempt ? )( to attack ? )

πειράσομαι

KUKNEION:
and we observe the moon
in our con - templ - ation
becoming an experiment

MOON:
to speak in defense( defend the self )( in reference
or in answer to evidence )( speak in behalf )
( to - will - be - fond of speaking )( sprung from )
( shot from )( away off )( back again )( finishing -
off )( completing )( being - fond - of - speaking )

KUKNEION:
in com - pletions

MOON:
( of earth )( of land )( ges )( of ground )( of earth ).

ἀπολογήσασθαι.

GAIA:
but even when youre dead as this
{ we talk to you when you sleep }
deep - in - self - negotiation

WINTER:
but you( nom )
O( we would be )old woman( she - voc )
( o an old wife )( o the scum of boiled
milk )( o sea - crab )( o cancer )
( o a kind of locust )
( o crone ),

σὺ δ᾽ ὦ γραῦ,

FLOWER( PRESSED ):
o witchs tit
did you ever notice
in the lexicon
how close they are
γραῦ . . . γράφεα 

WINTER:
( you )ve been plucked( like superfluous hair )
( youve had your eyebrows plucked )( and youve
been lain - with )( you have been fucked )
( youve sailed )( youve coasted - along
the coast )( you didnt land )( youve spoke beside
the point )( youve wandered in talk )
( youve raved )( youve spoken incidentally )
( youve been cited )( its been added - to -
what youve been said )

παραλέλεξαι

FLOWER( PRESSED ):
and
we
feel
flat

WINTER:
( and - indeed )( you )have rubbed( chafed )
( massaged yourself )( rubbed clean )
( youve been given a drubbing )( rubbed -
down - yourself )( worn - yourself - away )
( rubbed - in )( stone - crumbled into wine )
( youve caused to be given you )( been
anointed )( painted )( rubbed cosmetics -
in )( become familiar with )

κἀντέτριψαι,

FLOWER( PRESSED ):
exhausted - it
ink - spent
( the written word )
you - by

WINTER:
( to - by - for )the( him - it )( anyone )( him - it )
( to - by - for )( someone )( anyone )( anything )( in -
this - wise )( the written - word - in - here - ntly - author -
less )( to - by - for )death( natural or violent )
( or death - penalty )( to - by - for )( him - corpse )
( may it desire to die )( may it
be death - toward )

(905) τῷ θανάτῳ 

FLOWER( PRESSED ):
to be ,
to not to be ,
to be ,

WINTER:
( it - voc - nom - acc )object of care
( beloved object )( darling it )
( charge )( duty )
( o - it - full )

μέλημα.

FLOWER( PRESSED ):
the( it - full )
object of care( o it - full )
( o beloved object - it - full )
( o darling - it - full )mine
( my - it - full )( him - accused )
( our - it - full )( him - accused )
( o - he - thrower - darter )( shoulder
with the upper arm - him - accused )
( my - it - full )( raw )( uncooked )( savage -
fierce )( of water - crude - of milk )( unripe )
( cruel )( of pitch - unbaked )( of food - un -
digested )( harsh )( o rough )( o cruel -
beloved - it - untimely )( o it - premature )
( it - undressed - full )( o him - accused )
( ah ! )( we would be )( o - her - nom )
( ah ! )( o ! )( woe, woe ! )( alone - all -
full )( o - solitary - she )( you - it - we
will be alone )( o - shes - abiding )
( o - shes - tarrying )( o - shes - delay )
( o - shes - permanence )
( to - by - for )( she -
station )

τὸ μέλημα τὦμον ( Sappho 163 )

KUKNEION:
we cant stop watching her delay
we cant stop wanting to round her out
but all the same, my dream imperative,
we { cant stop } following the winding road ,

TRAGOS:
for back( again )( anew )( in turn )( bow wow )
( o - she - he - nom - nom )( the heap )( the beach )
( the sandy desert )( the shore )( the sand - bank )
( the sand )( the mud )( the ooze )( at sea - bottom )
( the shore - weed )( hereafter )( on the other hand )

αὖθις γὰρ

KUKNEION:
always seeking where we come from ,
we are always seeking home ,

TRAGOS:
this( o dyad - god )( she was binding )( bind, you )
( dog - needed - bound )( she was in - need )( need, you )
( the dyad-god )( indeed )( must be we )then,

δή,

KUKNEION:
this - being - on - the - way ,

GAIA:
so we seat myself
wherever you left me last
{ and wait for the day }
you write me out
fully - due ,

FLOWERS:
( may )( it )fall - out( fall - from )( fall - down )
( may it fall )( out - of - my - hands )( out - of - my - arms )
( of tears )( may they fall )( may they be shed )
( of trees )( of meteors )( may they fall from the sky )
( of ships )( may they suffer shipwreck )( so that )
( of sailors )( may they be cast - ashore )( cast - up )
( and may they be deprived )( be driven - out )
( may they be banished from a safe place )
( of limbs )( may they be dislocated )
( of flesh )( may it mortify and separate - from -
itself )( may it go - forth )( may it sally - out )( un -
dead )( of suns rays )( may they issue - forth )
( of votes )( may it come - out )( may it turn - out )
( of lots )( of destinies )( may it happen )( now )
( of prisoners )( may they escape )( the sentence )
( may they issue oracles )( may it be published )
( may it become known )( may it depart )( may it even
digress )( may it miss the sense )( may it fall - out -
side of a class )( may it - escape )( it )( un - awares )
( may it fail )( and may it lack )
( may it degenerate )( may it slip )( may it come
to naught )( may it be dilapidated )( may it be hissed -
off the stage )( may it lose its self - control )
( may it now and always miss its mark )
( may it arise from its )( may its arise from it )
( may it cease to be current )( may it - currency - it )
( may it run to excess )( may it - being - produced )
( and may it die )( may it be rubbish - heap -
re - duced )

ἐκπέσοι

KUKNEION:
and may we be back to talking with you,

ALPHA CRONE:
of you( gen )( your - him - it - gen )( shoo, shoo ! )
( be quick ! )( run - rush - dart - shoot - along ! )
( go ! )( be departed ! )( gush out ! )( be flux ! )
( erupt ! )( hasten ! )( speed - along, you ! )

σου

KUKNEION:
but where should we exit - through ?

ALPHA CRONE:
the( o - it - full )hole( o - she - dyad - full )
( o she - nom )( perforation )( aperture )( orifice )
( foramen caecum - a little hole - in the skull )
( hole in the beam of a balance )( the holes
or pips of dice )( a bored - hole )

τὸ τρῆμα

KUKNEION:
all of we
or me at least or just we - two ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( both )the( o - it - full )and( you - accused )
( o - it - full )couch( arm - chair )( straight - backed -
chair )( chair - back )( lean - and - lie -
upon )( o - shabby - chic )( my -
little - pet )

τό τ᾽ ἐπίκλιντρον

KUKNEION:
( does she mean me ? )
what loop are we going through ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( may )( you )will throw( - it - )off( cast )( - it - )( off )
( you will throw - away )( reject )( shed )( jettison )( ex -
pose )( despise )( reject )( sell - too - cheap )( lose )
( drop )( degrade )( may )( you )( will throw - off - away - at -
a - distance )( a - sunder )( in - to )( backwards - in - re -
storation )( re - quitting )( of - he - finishing - of )( of - he -
completing )( of - he - re - versing )( of he - thresh -
hold - genitive )( of mount Olympos )

ἀποβάλοιο

KUKNEION:
O crone, that sounds like a mighty it - task,
to throw - off - its - it. and how
would it - me do that ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( o - she - nom )wishing( willing )( being willing )
( that she would )( if it pleases )( if its liked )
( meaning )( professing )( pretending to be )
( tending to be )( being wont )( preferring )
( wishing - we - being - we - willing )

βουλομένη

KUKNEION:
and may she ! so 

to sum - up. weve gone -
through the secret willing -
wishing - mindings of its,

and now we would go -
through the wishing -
willing - minding of she ( nom ) ?

and its related to this hole
( τὸ τρῆμα ) the ( it - full )( she - dyad -
full ) whole - hole ?

ALPHA CRONE:
to pound( being - pounded )( to smite )( being - smit )
( smitten )( to crush )( being - crushed )( to pelt )
( being - pelted )( to dash )( being - dashed )
( to handle roughly )( being - roughly handled )
( to devour )( being - devoured ),

σποδεῖσθαι,

KUKNEION:
O wow. will we ( she - nom ) become
a middle - voice - verb ?
we contemplate how . . .

MOON:
( and - indeed )upon( epi + gen )( on )( supported )( at )( near )
( off )( - ward )( in the passage concerning )( by )
( at )( in dependence upon )( an anchor )( an attendant )
( by )( depth )( deep )( in file )( in line )( length )( wide )
( before )( in the presence of )( in the case of )
( towards )( near )( upon . . . and left it there )( to . . .
and leave there )( to meet )( with a view to )
( in the time of )( over )( after )( equally )( for )
( in respect of )( concerning ) ,

κἀπὶ

KUKNEION:
thank you very ( apple ) much, O Moon.
so thats its ( - full ) relation to a genitive.
O Crone, what genitive would you lead me to ?

ALPHA CRONE:
the( she - genitive )that on which one lies
( a couch )( used - both - at meals or for a bed )
( a bier )( a grave - niche )( also a feast - banquet )

( τῆς κλίνης )

KUKNEION:
O crone, would you explain to me
our middle - voicing - verb ?
what does it do to we ?
what happens to ( our ) it ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( you lay it down )( you sink down )( you couch )
( you lie back )( you recline )( you fall from up -
right )( you come - down )( you lean - upon )( - against )

( it turns you )( - the eyes - )( it causes you )( - a foe - )
( to give - way )( it puts you )( - to flight - )( it turns
the fortune of )( you - two )( it causes )( the - you -
balance )( to incline or turn )( it decides )( you - battle )

( it causes you )( to lean )( to set )( to support )( against it )
( it inclines you )( to lean )( to stay )( in a specified way )
( it inclines you )( to bend )( to turn aside )( to turn away )
( it moves you )( it causes you to go aside )( sub - servient )

( youre shed )( youre strewn )( of fallen leaves )
( youre turned - over )( youre up - set )( on knees )
( you slope towards the sea )( you lie on the shore )

( τῆς κλίνης )

KUKNEION:
and what do we do to it?

ALPHA CRONE:
( you will cause to lean )( make slope or slant )
( you will cause one thing to slope against another )
( you will lean it )( rest it )( of a shield on a shoulder )
( you will turn a tide )( will turn the fortune of a battle )
( you will cause the balance to incline and turn )
( you will turn aside )( you will make them recline
and lie )( you will put to rest )( you will lay low )
( you will make another recline )( you will make them
lie down )( you will put to rest )( and lay them low )
( you will make subservient ? )( you will in - flect )

τῆς κλίνης

KUKNEION:
how would an it like me
weild such power ?
tell me, O ( to - by - for ) bees
get on these flowers, quick !

FLOWERS:
( it )serpent( him - accused )( snake - arrow )

( the snake that turns itself around and bites
the eagle thats carrying - it )( it - released )

( it - )( nimble )( glittering )( sheeny )( wriggling )( star -
spangled )( speckled )( changeful )( slippery )( shifty )
( fickle )( shimmering )( flushed - by - fire - light )( wily -
glancing )( gleaming )( flashing )( iridescent )( shifting )( - it )
( Iliad 12.208 )

( its Hera sent to destroy baby Herakles — he strangles its )
( the blew - eyed serpent guarding the golden fleece )
( the blew - eyed snakes who nurse baby Iamos )
( grey - eyed )( bright - eyed )( gleaming - eyed - blue )
( Pindar, Nemean 1, Pythian 4, Olympian 6 )

( the serpent wrapped to - by - for my swaddling )
( it bites a breast )( it mixes blood with milk )
( the serpent - secret - keeping - temple - dwelling )
( Aeschylus, Choephori 544 )
( Sophocles, Philoctetes 1328 )

( the serpent guarding Athens citadel )( feed it
its monthly honey - cake )( and pray )( that it - eats - it )
( Herodotus, Histories 8.41 )

( the rivers - under - around - earth )
( to - by - for - me )( serpent - like )
( they coil and wind in circulars )
( but how would you translate its ? )
( Phaedo 112d-e )

( like a serpent that charms Thrasumachos )
( maybe someday youd do this one too )
( Republic 358b )

( the hundred heads of a serpent )( of a terrible
dragon )( from the shoulders of monster - Typhoeus )
( of dark - flickering tongues )( fire - flashing - eyes )
( voices - gods - bulls - lions - puppies - hissing - snakes )
( Hesiod, Theogony 825 )

( a serpent - winged - flying - gleaming - shining - arrow )
( Aeschylus, Eumenides 181 )

( a serpent - like - bracelet )( charming - coiling )( armlet )
( and the golden - tripod at Delphi )( supported by )
( the three - headed - bronze - serpent )( victory - tithe )

( the constellation Serpens )( o both - hands -
weve - poetried )( weve - poetry - across - night - sky )

( a creeping plant bears fruit )( a little - serpent - fish )
( the bearded cusk ? )( the fork - beard ? )( some eel )

( the guinea - worm )( a parasitic nematode ? )( watch
what you drink ! )( you dont want dracunculiasis )

( a bald place on a head - of spiral form )
( did you know that alopecia - ophiasis happens
in a spiral ? )( we heard our him went bald )

( but which its say he doesnt grow
luxuriant locks ? )( itsss false ! )

ὄφιν

KUKNEION:
thank you, bees,

MELISSAN:
my pleasure
may you give me more ,

KUKNEION:
( swan taking all of it in )

MELISSAN: O flowers, is there any active it
that we would verb ?

and are you sure
about his baldness ?

FLOWERS:
( may )( you )find( out )( discover )( light upon )
( come upon )( of immaterial things )( find
or come upon in a specified place or condition
or doing something specified )( hit upon )
( by experience )( as fitting or suitable )
( think of )( get a chance of )( be able )( devise )
( invent )( get )( gain )( bring about )( acquire )
( obtain )( procure )( fetch )( earn )( secure )
( bring upon oneself )( incur )

( well - )( to - by - for )( its - and - hims )
( full - )( o rams and sheep and ewes )( - full )
( full - )( o ram and sheep and ewe )( - full )

εὕροις

KUKNEION:
so does that mean
may we count you
as a fluffy sheep,
O Crone ?

ALPHA CRONE:
and( indeed )( may )( you )draw towards( it )
( draw towards itself )( attract )( take it
into its arms )( it - embrace - it ) . . . 

καὶ προσελκύσαιο … ( they hug )

KUKNEION:
so were happy to have seen so much
and found another it to have - and - hold
and contemplating all that its revealed
even as finally { we re heading home }
but not in a straight line ,

TRAGOS:
even as( like as )( as for instance )( just as )
( then and there )( on the spot )( just exactly
as )( even as )( as it were )( so to speak )( as if )
( like )( so long as )( however long )( as soon as ) ( as - around )

ὥσπερ

KUKNEION:
o goat, theyve walked on me so much
my blue - black - webbed - feet
may - well - fall - off ,

TRAGOS:
of( hims - hers - its - plural - gen )
( one or the )others ?

ἑτέρων

KUKNEION:
both of course. but its exaggerated
and even my feet are unbothered
since were taking care

TRAGOS:
( of )these( hims - hers - its - plural - gen )( here )

τούτων 

KUKNEION:
and even though weve certainly
missed a lot, and left very many out

TRAGOS:
( of )( hims - its - plural - gen )( we - )beings

ὄντων

KUKNEION:
at least weve written something down ,

TRAGOS:
( let them - imperative - be we )
( its - gen - we - beings )

KUKNEION:
as its participating in the cosmic score

TRAGOS:
( of )( hims - hers - its - plural - gen )accusers
( public prosecutors )( betrayers )( public - speakers - downwards -
against - and - back - again - in - answer - to - ) ,

κατηγόρων,

GAIA:
and even though youre most out - worn
after seemingly - endless - walking - words
around my rainy puddle - lake - pond
still { you hear and respond } to me,

KUKNEION:
that now weve gotten home
and this it ( . . . ) means a dyad - hug
{ and home ( we - )is( - being ) you } .

//

from hymn to Apollo
Apologia
Odyssey XIV
Ekklesiazusai

hear and respond
heading home

( . . . )

KUK:

kuku

sheep - huddling
inside the hard man
cool about it

kuku for going kuku - puffs

( . . . )

o goodmother grant me patience
may we be equally unbroken whole
( still missing somebodys first half )

Nov 9, 2026 ∞

IX.viii. heading home ( hear and respond ) for a hug ( pt. 1 )

characters in the dialogue

GAIA ( Γαῖα ) ( she - dyad earth )
ALPHA CRONE ( Γραῦς Α ) ( an old woman )
KUKNEION ( κύκνειον ) ( it - dyad of a swan )
TRAGOS ( Σωκράτης ) ( a goat )
STRATEGIDOS ( Γραῦς Α ) ( she - commander )
QUEEN BEE ( Γραῦς Α ) ( queen of bees )
MELISSAN ( μελισσᾶν ) ( of she - bees ) ( etc. )
FLOWERS ( Γραῦς Α ) ( ἄνθος ) ( a flower )
MOON ( Σωκράτης ) ( μής ) ( the moon )
WINTER ( Νεᾶνις ) ( she - season - accused )

//

GAIA:
we know that you need your beauty - rest
but still { we talk to you when you sleep } ,

ALPHA CRONE:
but( yet )( on the other hand )( while )
you( nom )

σὺ δὲ

KUKNEION:
trying gracefully to stay awake
as you sing by me your dictionary
and we contemplate it roundly ,
like a melon so large it broke the valley ,

ALPHA CRONE:
( o )dear - little - pet( it - voc - nom - acc )
( love - charm - potion - spell )( philtron )
( it - full )( o he )( will - be - raising - up )
( lifting )( hoisting )( walking - lightly )( tripping )
( making - signals )( mounting - up )( high - in -
heaven )( rising )( seizing - snatching - up )( taking -
up )( drawing water )( plucking herbs )( gathering )
( carrying - and - bringing )( bearing as a burden )
( wearing - clothes )( getting - under - way )
( getting - under - sail )( setting - out )( carrying -
too - far? )( raising )( levying )( rearing )( offering )
( exalting )( exciting )( growing excited )( plucking - up -
courage )( raising by words )( praising )( extolling )
( exaggerating )( clearing away )( removing )
( cancelling )( nulling and voiding )( lifting
and taking away )( putting an end to )

( φιλοττάριον )

KUKNEION:
unbothered by the endlessness,
unbothered by the endlessness,
unbothered by the endlessness,
may we please have some more ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( it - him )( coming and going )( we - being )
( it - him - arrow )( him - poison - venom - of honey -
bees - by which snakes care for infant - accused )
( it )( violet )( viola odorata )( gilliflower )
( matthiola incana )( any - flower )
( a precious stone of black - purple color )
( lets call it lazuli - ionik )

φιλοττάριον

KUKNEION:
yes we would be here to meet
the honey bees , examine flowers ,
and behold your stunning treasure ,

ALPHA CRONE:
( o )flute - player( o dyad - he - nom - acc )( o - he - nom )
( o - farm - servant )( o - he - wasp - dyad )
( it would play flute )( you would play flute )
( o - he - sanitary enginner - dyad )( play the flute, you ! )

KUKNEION:
( hopefully she doesn’t mind
if it sounds more like a horn )
in which mode, O Alpha Crone ?

ALPHA CRONE:
( o - she - open - court - nom - acc )( court of
a temple )( dwelling )( abode )( chamber )( a cave ? )
( like homes of dwellers in the wild )( its a country - house ! )
( to - by - for )( open court )( temple - dwelling )
( which ? )( o she - dyad - full )( o - its - full )

αὐλητὰ

KUKNEION:
did you ever notice how puddles
grow larger and deeper and wilder
the closer you look at them ?

ALPHA CRONE:
the( hims - accused )pipes( flutes )( claronets )( trumpets )
( hollow tubes )( grooves )( vizards - masks - disguises )
( sockets of the spear-head - into which the spear-shaft fits )
( jet of blood through nostril tube )( bellows of a smith )
( blow - hole of cetacea )( funnel of a cuttle - fish )
( stadia )( haulm of grain )( hem - locks or cows - bane )
( conic ventricals of fishes heart )( razor - shell - clams )

τοὺς αὐλοὺς

KUKNEION:
O for a thicker lexicon . . . 

ALPHA CRONE:
( o he - nom )taking hold of( laying on of hands )
( grasping )( seizing )( taking it by violence )
( capturing the spoil )( carrying off as prize )
( catching as a fish )( killing and slaying it )
( taking for its use )( to itself )( taking as its due )
( taking out of its receptacle )( winning the fame )
( making a meal )( taking under its care )( of the she -
handles - hafts )( she - generative - opportunities )

λαβὼν

KUKNEION:
who - he - nom, O crone ?
as you may see, it ( he ) aint me.
even in dreams, still a swan ,
nibbling pondweed and snails, or . . .
you seem a well - born leader.
what would you want me to be ?

STRATEGIDOS( SHE - COMMANDER ):
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( him - accused )counter - balancing
( weighing as much )( of like value )( of like worth )
( worthy )( goodly )( deserved )( meet )( and due )
( estimable )( quality )( as peers of its own rank )
( honor - worthy at our hands )( worthy to be killed )

KUKNEION:
well as you know, O lady, would we die
beautifully ( to - by - for ) her cause
and naturally, its just what swans do ,

STRATEGIDOS:
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( o him - accused )( will be leading )
( carrying - )( fetching )( bringing )( taking as a wife )
( - off as booty )( leading forcibly away )( harrying )( ravaging )
( bring into the state )( carrying as cargo )( importing )
( drawing on )( bringing on )( spreading far and wide )
( leading towards a point )( leading to death )( leading -
on )( managing )( reasoning )( conducting inquiry )
( bringing - up )( training )( educating )( animal
and man )( drawing out in length )( drawing out a line )
( letting upright lines be drawn )( describing a plane )
( holding )( celebrating )( keeping )( observing a date )
( reckoning )( sustaining )( maintaining )( keeping - laughing )
( holding - account )( treating )( believing in )( drawing -
down in the scale )( weighing )( taking and bringing home )
( breaking )( and shivering )( the winding course of sound )

ἄξιον

KUKNEION:
how marvellously assertive it sounds.
but were not sure that parts a part of me.
we prefer to dance in circles, on my pond.
a straight lines not what we were born to do.
so if were round, what would you recommend ?

STRATEGIDOS:
of( him - her - gen )me( you vomit and throw up )
( made sick with a feather )( you )( throw - up - a flood of words )
( vomit and throw up, you ! )( it - him - gen )( of mine )

ἐμοῦ

KUKNEION:
well that seems like one way to get it done,
but were not sure we understand.
lets beautifully repeat after you.

regurgitated with a feather, white,
and yet we need to contemplate these things.

made sick by a feather . . . or of a feather ?
to vomit the sweet nectar of flowers
more like . . . would you turn me into a bee ?

STRATEGIDOS:
and( indeed )of you( genitive )( little bird, shoo, shoo ! )
( set it in motion, you ! )( quick ! )( drive it on ! )
( hunt it, you ! )( chase it, you ! )( drive it away ! )
( send it spinning ! )( scatter them ! )( urge them on ! )
( hasten it ! )( speed it ! )( rush its flight ! )( gone ! )
( rush it out ! )( gush it out ! )( eruption of flux ! )
( eager, you ! )( set on it ! )( get bent ! )-( upon ! )
( of thy )( of thine )( of yours )( genitive - it - him )
( chase it off ! )( chase it off ! )( chase your him away ! )

καὶ σοῦ

KUKNEION:
unbothered by her aggressive language,
yet we may have been swallowed by a dream.
its feeling slightly queasy with my reflection.
there must be some way out of here,
how may we pass through these . . .
where are we again ?

STRATEGIDOS:
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( o him )( will be fluting - to )
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( o him )( will have fluted - through )
( will be fluting - on - at - beside me )play the flute(, you ! )
( fluting - towards ( on )( at )( - beside - )( in - accordance - with )

( flute, you ! )( - around the )( o she - nom )( to - by - for - she )
( open - court )( court - yard )( steading for cattle )( quad -
rangle )( round which the house was built )( court )
( hall )( dwelling )( abode )( chamber )( its
a country - house )( eu - phem - ismos )
( whatever this place is )( of a cave )
( where you seem to live )

προσαύλησον

KUKNEION:
we would love to do that ,
you must be some kind of queen.
you remind me of a received command .

QUEEN BEE:
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( its limb )( bodily frame )
( body - member )( body - member )( dis - membering )
( song )( strain )( phrase )( tune )( lyric theme )( it - full )
( play the tones )( properly )( melody )( choral hymn )ditty
( melos ) ( melos ) ( melos ) ( melos . . . ) ,

μέλος.

KUKNEION:
what a lovely word and how it echoes off - into . . . me
the swan - song . . . or the song of bees ?
either way it enchants me. so { in my dream
we walk through my neighborhood }

absorbed in everything we see , and may
become something different ,

TRAGOS:
so( in this way )
( you - plural )will discover( find - out )
( will light and come upon )( of immaterial things )
( you will find and come upon in a specified way )
( will hit upon )( devise )( contrive )( and be able to )
( will discover by experience )( it will befall - all - you )
( youll think - of and hit - upon )( as fitting and suitable )
( youll get a chance )( get and gain )( acquire wealth )
( you will bring upon itself )( youll fetch and earn )
( will incur )( will secure )( the current price )well .

οὕτως εὑρήσετε.

KUKNEION:
and may we hold the wealthy . . . ( it )( him - accused )
( to be ? )the( him - acc )wise( it ) . . . ( him - accused )
( accused ) . . . even when we arent me . . . but who . . .

GAIA:
as whom would they coax her to { tell all
the secrets } of Delos and Pytho
of the Dioskouroi ( checks notes )
and of . . . “I - am - us” ? never heard of us.
this wasnt handed to me in discovery.
does this temple have legal limits ?

QUEEN BEE:
if( you come )( and go )( into )( a ship )( you are we )
( if you come and go )( walk or run or fly like bees )
any( her or him )( nom - nom )( who ? )( which ? )one

εἴ τις 

MELISSAN:
you dont have to tell me twice ,
O lady queen . ( but sometimes its nice )
how would ( we - its ) bee ?

QUEEN BEE:
( o it - voc - nom - acc )( him - accused )( a )good
( well - born )( gentle )( aristocrats ? )( if beauty too )
( brave )( valiant )( capable )( well - behaved )
( circumstances )( serviceable )( good - for - it )
( good purpose )( good end )( morally good )
( good blessings )( benefit )( a baby is a good ! )
( goods of fortune )( treasures )( wealth )( all
good things )( dainties )( qualities )
( good points of a horse )( good )( itsy )

ἀγαθὸν

MELISSAN:
whats the first thing
for a good bee to know about being - itsy ?

QUEEN BEE:
( it )wishes( wills )( is willing )( wish is will )( its minded )
( it supports )( or would have )( according to its wish )
( as its ready )( as it pleases )( as it likes )( as you like it )
( it means )( it professes )( it pretends )( it desires )
( it tends to be )( its wont )( it had rather )( it prefers )

MELISSAN:
o lady, you seem to speak of flowers.
would they themselves tell me what flowers prefer ?

FLOWERS:
to have( it )done to( it )( to suffer )( to be done - to )
( to be treated by another )( to suffer at its hands )
( to have it happen to it )( to be affected in a way )
( in a state )( or in a case )( or in a fable )( or in the stable )
( to be influenced )( to feel feelings )( to feel passion )
( to be , or come to be, in a certain state of mind ? )
( to be )( beastly ? )( disposed )( of feelings or impulse ! )
( to be subject to changes )( and to modification )
( to suffer hard experience )( or anything at all )
( to be the injured party )( to suffer bad )( ill )( evil )
( to endure )( to undergo )( to have it laid upon )
( to be called upon to bear )( to have it befall one )
( to have it come upon )( chance encounter )( met death )
( to suffer the punishment )( pay the penalty )
( of )some( o it - voc - nom - accused ),

βούλεται παθεῖν
τι,

MELISSAN:
hmm . . . so much of you sounds so delicious.
but bee tongue may not be the best of tongues
for inflicting death upon a flower ,
or evil, or whatever happens in a stable ,

VIOLETS:
( o - he - Paris ! )( o - she - Paros ! )
( o - shes - disabled in a limb - nom ! )
( o - its - a maimed limb - nom - acc )
( o - helpless - he )( o - blinded - he )
( to - by - for )( she - of the mind . . . )

( παρ᾽ )

MELISSAN:
hmm . . . we may not be able
to start the Trojan war just yet
yet we have the power of numbers,
as well as our thirst. and we love

to stick it into flowers, even
to drill it into them. we love that taste.
O Flower, in what relation could we drink
the most from the majority of flowers ?

FLOWERS:
beside( by )( near - by )( in the company of )
( at - hand )( ready - to - aid )( among )( issuing from )
( at - its - command )( past - it )( passing - it - by )
( aside from it )( away from it )( turning - aside )
( at the house )( of the household )( in the land of )
( in the hands or power of )( set along - side )
( before )( in the presence of )( in contemplation of )
( beside )( along - with )( along - side )( along - by )
( beyond )( in excess of )( from beside )( or simply from )
( from itself )( from its means )( all that issues from
it )( to a point from which action takes place )
( in judgment ) ,

παρ᾽

MELISSAN:
judgment ( to - by - for ) whom ?

FLOWERS:
( to - by - for )me ,

ἐμοὶ

MELISSAN:
o flowers, youve turned my tennae on.
my eyes grow warm, my feelings feel fuzzy ,
tell me again, lets waggle and get buzzy ,
how would my workers work by you ?
and how may we love flowers for honey ?

FLOWERS:
( it )must( be we ! )( its necessary )( one must )
( one ought )( it must needs )( o she - nom - necessity )
( o - she - nom - need ! )( o she - nom - desire )( desire ! )
( its falling upon )( attacking )( attack - assail it, you ! )
( it inflicts )( desire - conceives )( inflict - desire, you ! )
( its vexing )( its laying hands upon )( vex it, you ! )
( its giving oracular response )( give oracular response ! )
( its proclaiming )( warning )( directing by an oracle )
( its furnishing a thing )( proclaim and furnish, you ! )
( its scraping )( and grazing )( and wounding slightly )
( scrape and graze and wound it slightly, you ! )

χρὴ

MELISSAN:
so that we follow our desire completely ?
but what does it feel like
to be a flower under - going that ?

FLOWERS:
to lie down to sleep( to sleep ? )( to sleep by night )
( to lay itself down to sleep )( to go to bed )( to slumber )
( to go to sleep )( to pass the night )( to lie asleep )( to lie idle )
( to be in a sleeping state )( to sleep away its life )
( to lie still )( to be at rest )( to sleep a sleep
of )( temporary )( death ) .

καθεύδειν.

MELISSAN:
but its word bothers me slightly.
O queen why would a living thing
such as a flower ( it like we ? )
( we like it ? ) be okay
to sleep the sleep of death ?

QUEEN BEE:
for( theyre )not( we - being - we )there( - )in
( not - living - we )( not - we - continuing )
( not - we - in - hand )( not - current - we )
( not - really - we )( not - we - happening )
( not - we - in - fact )( not - a case of we )
( not - we - coming - to - pass )( not - we - in -
essence )( not - we - in - reality )( not - we - are - in )
( not - we - necessarily )( not - we - in - any - case )
( not - we - of - consequence )( not - we -
of - import )( not - we - and - always - we )

(895) οὐ γὰρ ἐν

MELISSAN:
we wonder then does ( it - we ) wonder ,
and how ?

FLOWERS:
( to - by - for )( the )young( youthful - shes )
( the new )( the fresh )( the first-day - she )
( the unexpected - strange - untoward - evil - she )

MELISSAN:
it sounds like it wants the wild me.
and what would wild - me do ?

FLOWERS:
( you )( would )( plough - up )( vigorously )
( thoroughly )( to - by - for )( the she - fallow - land )
( to - by - for )( the she - ships - vessels -
temple - dwellings ) .

νέαις

MELISSAN:
even feeling a little dizzy ,
shall we let ourselves get lost ?

STRATEGIDOS:
the( o it - voc - nom - acc )( the it following - )
( the )skilled( o it - voc - nom acc )( him - accused )
( in any handicraft )( in any art )( the clever )
( clever in practical matters )( the wise )( the prudent )
( the statesmanlike )( the shrewd )( the worldly - wise )
( the tricky )( with clever notions )( with the resources
it has )( the learned and the wise )( the subtle )
( the ingenious )( and the recondite )
( even of animals )

( into )( theyre we )( it )is( we )

τὸ σοφὸν ἔνεστιν

KUKNEION:
meanwhile its rainy season somewhere
and we may be dreaming somewhile yet
as { water keeps gathering in large puddles }
large enough for me to float around
and see you, O circum - spectral Moon,

MOON:
around( about )( in regard to )( rarely on both sides )
( about near )( for )( above )( on account of )
( concerning )( in regard to )( the circumstances of )
( as for )( as to )( before )( beyond )( above )
( of consequence )( of worth )( on its behalf )
( round about )( by grasping )( spitted - upon )
( trans - fixed )( standing over )( for or about )
( by reason of )( round )( somewhere near )( upon )
( imputable to )( about it )( its colleagues or family )
( in the case of )( concerning )( in respect of )( of )
( connected with )( works at )( affairs or events of )
( before or above others )( exceedingly )( near )( by )
( right heartily )( beyond measure )( very much )
( more than others )( especially )( in particular )
( in the matter of )( in reference to contention over it )
( in reference to motion about the inside of it )
( round - about - upon )( round - about - inside )
( of concentric circles of metal forming a whole )

περὶ

KUKNEION:
so we would still be a swan ,

MOON:
even( indeed )( of a truth )( with a later “but” implied )
( on the one hand )( at one time )( with μὲν
other particles may combine, such as οὖν )certainly
( in fact )( really )( very )( at all events )( at least )
( we grant )( when once )( as soon as )( actually )
( so then )( so )( then )( therefore )( well,
as we were saying . . . ) ,

μὲν οὖν

KUKNEION:
yet in my dream, well —
what are flowers ( to - by - for ) me ?

MOON:
of which( whose )( of hers )( of hims )( of them )( of these )
( of its )( plural - hers - hims - its - genitive ) ,

ὧν 

KUKNEION:
what are bees ( to - by - for ) me ?

MOON:
the( o hes - nom - plural )( to - by - for )( him - or - her - self )
first( o hes - nom - plural )( in front )( a - fore )( former )
( earliest )( foremost )( the front or end of a pole )
( the outermost doors )( the front bench )( the first dawn )
( first - offered )( above all )( especially )( the first )
( the first in order or existence )( the primary )( the prime )
( the primitive )( the simple )( the normal )( the typical )
( the first men of the state )( the first - highest - hims )
( the destined men )( to - by - for )( she - Proto )( a Nereid )

οἱ πρῶτοί

KUKNEION:
so theyre the slightest go - getters , it seems.
of whom ? 

MOON:
of me( him or her )( genitive )( of the - him - moon )
( monthly )( lunar month )( time of the month )
( time of the moon )( the crescent moon )( the phase )
( crescent - moon - ornament )( him - mensis too )

μου

KUKNEION:
whats their work in this ?

MOON:
( the )( o shes - nom )( o - hes - nom )accusers( prosecutors )
( betrayers )( they - it would speak - against )( it would accuse )
( it would denounce )( bring as a charge - against )( allege )
( it would signify )( indicate )( prove )( publicly )( display )
( it would declare )( assert )( predicate )( affirm categorically )
( publicly - speak - downwards - over - against - in - answer - to -
throughout - in - accordance - with - and - back - again ).

κατήγοροι

KUKNEION:
are they making a word - song - loop ?
are we making a word - song - loop ?
loops are my favorite shape of word - song ,

MOON:
( they )were speaking - against( we were speaking - against )
( o he )( o it - voc - nom - acc )( speaking - against )( accusing )
( denouncing )( bringing as a charge - against )( alleging )
( appearing as an accuser )( appearing as a prosecutor )
( signifying )( indicating )( proving )( publicly )( displaying )
( declaring )( asserting )( predicating )( affirming categorically )
( publicly - speaking - downwards - over - against - in - answer - to -
throughout - in - accordance - with - and - back - again ) .

κατηγόρουν

KUKNEION:
may we beauty - call - it the kata - go - round ?
and whats my tune in the kata - go - round ?

MOON:
( o )this( she - voc - nom )( this she here )( the nearer she )
( you )stand( you make a stand )( you set up )( you raise up )
( you set )( you place )( you come to a standstill )( you stay )
( your poo wont come out )( satisfied ? )( you come to a stop )
( you check )( you stop )( you halt )( you stand idle )( you fix )
( you compose )( you set on its feet )( you stir up )( you set up
and appoint )( you establish )( you institute )( you determine )
( you bring about )( you place in the balance )( and weigh )
( you take up an intellectual attitude )( youre stationary )
( you hold good )( third person imperative - let it be we )

αὕτη ἔστω

KUKNEION:
O Moon , that seems like the work for me.
but what if my poo does come out ?
everybody takes a poo, even swans ,
so sometimes water shows me poo too.
or if my balance becomes unsteady ,
if we seem to be waddling ,

MOON:
( o - she - nom )sufficient( becoming )( befitting )( competent )
( sufficing )( a match for )( equivalent to )( very tolerable )
( adequate )( satisfactory )( satisfying )( security ).

ἱκανὴ 

KUKNEION:
O Moon, with your support
youve given me a burst of courage .
show it to me in one mighty word !

MOON:
( o she - dyad )( voc - nom - acc )( full )( o she - nom -
so - called )speech - in - defence( apologia )( apo - logia )
( o its - oracles )( sprung from )( shot from )( away - off - and
back - again )( finishing off )( its - oracles )( completing )
( its - voc - nom - acc - oracles )

( o she - dyad )( voc - nom - acc )( full )( o she - nom -
collection )( for the poor )( for taxes )( for religious
purposes ? )( voluntary contributions )( sprung - from -
away - off - back - again )( she - dyad - collection - nom )
( finishing off )( completing )( she - dyad - collection - acc )

( o it - voc - nom - acc )( full - it )( a speaking place )
( sprung - away - from )( back - again )( completing )
( whats ones own )( the stage in a theater )( a platform )

( she - dyad - full )( its - full )( o - she - nom )( sprung - from -
shot - from )( off - away - from )( back again )( finishing -
off )( completing )( of the logoi )( versed in tales or stories )
( learned )( erudite )( skilled in words )( eloquent )( in speeches
and accounts )( reckonings )( measures )( tales )( esteem )
( values )( considerations )( relations )( correspondences )
( ratios )( proportions )( analogies )( explanations )( pleas )
( pretexts )( grounds )( reasons )( cases )( statements
of theory )( arguments )( discourses )( teachings )( theories )
( laws )( rules of conduct )( principles )( consciences )
( precepts )( theses )( hypotheses )( formulae )( definitions )
( thinkings )( reasonings )( reflections )( deliberations )
( sprung - from )( off - away )( finishing - off )( back -
again )( of or belonging )( to - by - for )( the logoi )

ἀπολογία

KUKNEION:
O Moon,
this reminds me of the most wonderful thing
said by someone, maybe a goat,
or maybe a butterfly or moth, as if
its how we beauty - call - διανοεῖσθαι - to think -
through, and look, its beauty - called me - too :

logon( him - speech - reckoning - acount - accused )
which( him - it - accused )( o she - nom )herself
towards( upon - against )( so as to face )
( in relation to )herself( her - accused )

( where )( o )the( she - voc - nom )LIFE
( she - departed spirit )( she - ghost )( she - soul )
( she - self )( she - conscious - self )( she -
spirit - where ? )( she - butterfly )( she - moth )

( it would grow cool )( it would grow cold )
( fire would be put out )( fire would be refreshed )
( it would be chilled )( it would be tormented )
( it would be frigid )( it would be made dry )
( it - dyad - full )( its - dyad - full )( cold )( frosts )
( cold weather )( winter - time )( coolness )

( it )goes completely( passes )through
( in succession )( in detail )( relating circum -
stantially )( relating circum - spectively ? )

around( about )which( of hers - hims - its - genitives )

( on the watchtower )
( it would )behold( contemplate )( examine )( inspect )
( look out )( watch )( look to )( look into )( consider )
( you )( would )( behold )( contemplate )( examine )
( inspect )( look out )( watch )( look to )( look into )( consider )
( it )( would )( spy from a high place or watchtower )
( watch for shoals of fish )( look - out - for )( watch )
( you )( would )( spy from a high place or watch - tower )
( you would watch for shoals of fish )( look out for )
( watch )( to - by - for )( she - lookout )( she - watchtower )
( she - observatory )( she - look - out )( she - watch ).

λόγον ὃν αὐτὴ πρὸς αὑτὴν ἡ ψυχὴ διεξέρχεται περὶ ὧν ἂν σκοπῇ.
( Theaetetus 189ε )

wow - look at that stretched - out - rain - bow.

so maybe this would be like that,
a kind of looking - out and looking - into logoi
and here, herself - nom - towards - herself - accused
( the pros auten ) and turns towards whom ?

MOON:
towards( pros + acc )( upon )( against )( so as to face )( before -
in the presence of )( before - in the eyes of )( towards -
near - at - about a certain time )( in respect of )( touching )
( in view of )( in consequence of )( in relation to )
( in proportion to )( in comparison with )( between )
( according to )( in view of )( with the accompaniment of )

you( plural - accused )
( your - shes - accused )

( and )( pros + gen )( from )( on the side of )( towards )
( on the frontier towards )( before )( in the presence of )
( before the face of )( at the hands of )( in the direction of )
( in the eyes of )( in the sight of )( in the name of )( by )
( of your - she - genitive ),

πρὸς ὑμᾶς:

GAIA:
but to go through { every worry that weighs me }
towards my she - accused, from my she - genitive,
would be to go through every - thing - on
in - and - around the earth. we hope
the swan has on her ballet - walking - slippers ,

FLOWERS:
but still( otherwise )( at least )( yet )
( o - other - it - full )( o - other - its - full )
( o - other - shes - nom )( o other he )
( to - by - for )( other - she )

ἀλλ᾽

MELISSAN:
we would fly as a fuzzy cloud ! and O
most subtly - fragranced violets
we would dive —

FLOWERS:
in( within )( surrounded by )( in - under )
( equipped with )( on )( at )( by )
( in the number of )( amongst )
( in the presence of )( in their hands )
( within their reach or power )( with )
( in the eyes )( in respect of )( towards )
( in point of )( into )( both motion to
and position in )( fell . . . in it )
( from )( in the form of )( as )
( they are - we - being )( we - being - real )
( they are - we - happening )( they are - being
we - the fact )( we - the case )( really -
we - being - )( - in )( amongst them )

ἐν

MELISSAN:
and we are so many words !
we are drawn thirstily
by the scent

QUEEN BEE:
( to - )by( - for )the( shes )mellow( ripe )
( over - ripe )( soft )( pulpy )( ripe - shes )
( mild - shes )( shes - come to its crisis )
( more concocted - shes )( plump )( juicy )
( cooked by the sun ? )( ready to suppurate ? )
( kind )( gentle )( pet )( ripe melon )( ripe gourd )

ταῖς πεπείραις:

MELISSAN:
O me, they sound Ionian !
but do we hesitate
to —

FLOWERS:
but not( nor )( and not )( not even )( not at all )
( o - he - threshold )( entrance )( lintel ! )
( of a house )( threshold )( into a flower )
( the thresh - )( - hold between life and death )
( o - she - way )( road )( course )( channel ! )
( travelling )( journeying )( voyage )( ex -
pedition )( by land or water )( passageway )
( way )( manner )( intent )( method . . . )

οὐδέ

MELISSAN:
( crosses threshold swiftly
to the interior of flowers )

thank you, its lovely in here.
now that we have some privacy,
lets get down to brass tacks.

we want to hear all the juicy gossip.
lets talk about you - know - who.

FLOWERS:
( some )any( he - her - nom )one( body )( who ? )
( not a nothing )( not a nobody )( a somebody ? )

τις

MELISSAN:
dont act so innocent, O willful flowers ,
we know youre very close with him.
what feelings do you share ?

FLOWERS:
to love( feel affection )( the mutual love of parents
and children )( of the ruled people for a ruler )
( of a tutelary god for the people )( of a wheedling
demagogue )( of the love of dogs for their master )
( less frequently of husband and wife )( love
( of brothers and sisters )( love of friends )
( seldom of sexual love )( of a horse and mare )
( to be fond of )( show affection for )( to accept
gladly )( to be content or satisfied )( to bear -
with )( to be content )( to entreat )( to acquiesce ) .

στέργειν

MELISSAN:
hmmm . . . . . . . . . . . . mmm.
yet he would never touch it ( it -
you ) not due to lack of desire
but because he would only touch it

FLOWERS:
if( it )would be minded( have a mind )
( if it would wish )( if it would purpose )
( if it would choose )( if it would desire )
( that an - it - person shall do something )
( if it would be willing )( if it would be pre -
pared )( if it would be disposed )( in -
clined )( if it would be content )( to have
the heart )( if it would venture )( if it would
be able to )( if it would have the power )

( if it would give a dyad - answer )

if( it )would be willing( of consent
rather than desire )( if it would wish )
( if it would please )( if it would or will
or shall )( if it would be able )( if it would
maintain or hold )( delight in love )
( if it would ordain or decree )( if it would
be naturally disposed )( if it would
be wont or accustomed )( if it would
willingly )( gladly be its will )

ἂν ἐθέλοι

MELISSAN:
mmm. but it never would
because its an it ? or
how would it be willing - wishing ?
how would it be minded or desire ?

FLOWERS:
more( more - very )( more - exceedingly )
( rather )( more than )( more and more )
( him - flock of wool - accused )( him - tress
of hair - accused )( secret - meanings -
including - )( arm - pit )( apple )( white -
tailed )( white )( sneaky )( and under -
handed )( arm - pits are a dyad - place
for concealed weapons )

μᾶλλον

MELISSAN:
ah this is what tickles me about you.
we never knew flowers could conceal weapons,
or that they had dedicated arm - pits for that.

or do they ?

it would be the excitement of the chase
going deeper into the violet place
where it turns saffron to find out

FLOWERS:
( whether )( we are we )( or )( hi ! )( in truth )
( of a surety )( we - beingly )( although )( its speaking ) ,

ἢ

MELISSAN:
lets talk more about that.
you must have practiced she - dyad - its
a lot. whats the worst - case scenario
from your perspective ? what would
it - we not do ?

FLOWERS:
( o - dyad - he )( voc - nom - acc )
( of he - leader )( chief )( we )ego( being )
( we will exalt overmuch )

( ‘γὼ )

MELISSAN:
yeah - no - hmm - that would be
a betrayal of everything you said
you want from me.
so, tell me ,

what complex range of feelings has this practice
brought you? and remember
its for posterity so
be honest ,

FLOWERS:
( wonder, you ! )( marvel, you ! )
( admire ! )( be delighted ! )( feel envy, you ! )
( anger at ! )( bear a grudge ! )( be jealous, you ! )
( youre wondering )( youre admiring )
( wondering at )( delighted with )
( youre feeling envy )( bearing a grudge )
( youre jealous of )( youre angry at )
( we would wonder at )( we would admire )
( we would delight )( we would be delighted with )
( we would feel envy )( wed bear a grudge )
( wed be jealous of )( wed be angry at )
( we wonder at )( we admire )( we delight )
( we envy )( were jealous )( we anger )
( we grudge )( grudge, you ! )( we grudge )

( ‘γὼ )

//

( cont. in pt 2 )

from hymn to Apollo
Apologia
Odyssey XIV
Ekklesiazusai

hear and respond
heading home

Oct 30, 2026 ∞



, , , ,,

Oct 5, 2026 ∞

Oct 2, 2026 ∞

VIII.xii. end goal-( wild-( in a language( the wave of )unknown )-fire )-fighting sleep

ADEIMANTOS: hold on to your buts,

MEDEIS( NOBODY ): O( to-by-for )me( we )i( being )cowardly( vile,

worthless, lowborn, mean, afraid, miserable, wretched, poor ),

ADEIMANTOS: we ask myself,

MEDEIS: what( someone )now( to-by-for )me longest-

lasting( would be )born?

ὤ μοι ἐγὼ δειλός, τί νύ μοι μήκιστα γένηται;

ADEIMANTOS: keep your ifs inside the she-vessel,

PINDAR: ( o )HIGHEST( uppermost, most supreme )horse-driver

( charioteer )( thunder-hurler )( lyre-striker )( rower )

( who drives away )( a broad, flat cake )( hoop-stick )

of untiring( of foot )thunder —

( astonishment ! )

ZEUS,

ἐλατὴρ ὑπέρτατε βροντᾶς ἀκαμαντόποδος Ζεῦ:

ADEIMANTOS: but keep your ands easy to reach-for,

HERAKLES: but he( and yall )inflicted upon( imposed )

( commanded-charged-prescribed )

( gave an order )( to-by-for )me

difficult( cruel-harsh-stern-dangerous-violent-

malignant )tasks( contests-conflicts

struggles-ordeals ),

ὁ δέ μοι χαλεποὺς ἐπετέλλετ᾽ ἀέθλους.

ADEIMANTOS: good thing ( its not the end goal ) that matters,

as swirling voices ( we really believe ),

and were not sure yet if its irony,

but ( the way you respond only to me )

would momentarily become difficult,

MEDEIS: we( would )fear lest

( it )( o dyad-god )( she was binding )( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( she was in-need )( need,

you )( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be ),

all( the )( dyad- )goddess( unerring )infallible said,

(300) δείδω μὴ δὴ πάντα θεὰ νημερτέα εἶπεν,

ADEIMANTOS: and ( my skin is electricity ) charged

with the polarity of poetries,

( we-turning ) languages of men

inside organic me,

PINDAR: for your( she- )SEASONS( being-fitting-times ),

τεαὶ γὰρ ὧραι

MEDEIS: she spoke( to-by-for )me in the sea,

ἥ μ᾽ ἔφατ᾽ ἐν πόντῳ,

ADEIMANTOS: aiming less for instability,

PINDAR: TURNING( -dancing- )ROUND( whirling-

plying )( winding-minding )under the subtle( -many-

colored-complex-dappled-embroidered-wily-unstable-

)notes of the lyre-( phorminx )-SONG —

ὑπὸ ποικιλοφόρμιγγος ἀοιδᾶς ἑλισσόμεναί

ADEIMANTOS: balancing the two of these,

bearing witness to his nostos,

MEDEIS: before( you )come( reach )( approach )

( supplicate )( the she- )fatherland( she )earth,

πρὶν πατρίδα γαῖαν ἱκέσθαι,

ADEIMANTOS: or coming home to his witnessing,

PINDAR: ( they-she )SENT me,

μ᾽ ἔπεμψαν


ADEIMANTOS: and ( its the journey ) we say OUT LOUD,

as we can barely hear herself,

over these hims,

MEDEIS: ( you would )FULFILL( have full measure of )

( you would feel pains )( he was feeling pains )

( feel pain, you )( dyad- )PAIN( sufferings, grief ),

ἄλγε᾽ ἀναπλήσειν:

ADEIMANTOS: dipping fingers

in the teacup,

PINDAR: ( as )WITNESS( o witness )( o guardian )

of the HIGHEST( loftiest )( proudest )

contests( struggles, tasks, conflicts, ORDEALS ),

ὑψηλοτάτων μάρτυρ᾽ ἀέθλων.

SOKRATES: ( we )i( being )( to-by-for )you,

ἐγώ σοι,

ADEIMANTOS: ( in a language )

we are learning as we go along,

( we hear the air crackling )

with some almighty agreements,

with some almighty friends,

MEDEIS: but now all of( she- )this

( o dyad-god )( she was binding )( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( she was in-need )( need, you )

( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be )

( will be )( is )accomplished,

τὰ δὲ δὴ νῦν πάντα τελεῖται.

ADEIMANTOS: as the dog hears too,

PINDAR: but( of )guest-friends( XENION )

( strangers, hosts, foreigners )doing( FARING )WELL,

GOOD( brave, stout, faithful, well-bred )( men )

WAG the TAIL( show joyful-delight and fondness )

( fawn-upon )( pay-court-to )( greet )( gladden )

FORTHWITH( at once )( immediately )( on the spot )

( o drinker, take a drink! )

toward( the )SWEET( fresh, pleasant, deligtful )

MESSAGE( tidings-news-report-announcement-

messenger ),

ξείνων δ᾽ εὖ πρασσόντων ἔσαναν αὐτίκ᾽ ἀγγελίαν

ποτὶ γλυκεῖαν ἐσλοί.

ADEIMANTOS: whats the message, o Sokrates?

SOKRATES: ( o saying )( the saying )

( say, you! )they say( we say )

( the saying )

( the weight that falls on a mouse in a trap ),

εἶπον,

ADEIMANTOS: but whats that mousetrappy thing?

its always kind of showing up

but he leaves hooks concealed so far in

its ( unknown to almost everyone else )

its unknown even to him until

we unexpectedly stumble on the answer

( when your hand moves on paths )

when the mousetraps catch us,

MEDEIS: ( to-by-for )such clouds Zeus enwreathes

( crowns-around )( you are surrounded, enwreathed )

( the )wide( broad )sky( heavens ),

οἵοισιν νεφέεσσι περιστέφει οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν
Ζεύς,

PINDAR: but still,

[10] ἀλλ᾽,

ADEIMANTOS: as ( someone said )

who wasnt nobody,

MEDEIS: but( he )stirs up( troubles )( agitates )( throws

into disorder )( confusion )( and anarchy )( the )sea,

ἐτάραξε δὲ πόντον,

ADEIMANTOS: but hes not anarchist at all,

PINDAR: O CHILD of Kronos,

ὦ Κρόνου παῖ,

ADEIMANTOS: but not quite dyadic

enough for nobody,

MEDEIS: but( the )storm( whirl- )winds urge-on

( to-by-for )( rushing )( blowing-furiously )( of )winds of all sorts,

ἐπισπέρχουσι δ᾽ ἄελλαι

(305) παντοίων ἀνέμων.

ADEIMANTOS: yet we-being pharmakronik,

PINDAR: ( you )who( o VIPERS! )( you pour out )

( you )have-and-hold( Mount )Aetna,

ὃς Αἴτναν ἔχεις,

ADEIMANTOS: as he grabs me by

the ( horses ) heartstrings,

MEDEIS: now( to-by-for )me safe( sure, certain,

sound, alive and well )( would be )sheer

( utter )( high and steep )( lofty )( towering )destruction( ruin )( death ),

νῦν μοι σῶς αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

ADEIMANTOS: he cant help it, he cant resist,

somebody feels like the kind of dad

such as nobody wishes he could have had,

PINDAR: ( the )WINDY( airy )( rapid-rushing )

( stirred and filled by the wind )dropping-

WEIGHT( EIPON )( mouse-trap-song )

( of )strong( mighty )( o dyad- )hundred-

( HEKATO-KEPHALAS )-headed TYPHON,

ἶπον ἀνεμόεσσαν ἑκατογκεφάλα Τυφῶνος ὀβρίμου,

ADEIMANTOS: but both of them agree

and came to celebrate our victory lap,

with-in-lap-towering,

MEDEIS: thrice blessed( the )Danaans,

τρὶς μάκαρες Δαναοὶ

PINDAR: RECEIVE( the )Olympic-conqueror !

this merry-making( REVELRY )( carousal )

( procession )( parade )( ode )

by( aid )of the GRACES( Chariton ),

Οὐλυμπιονίκαν δέκευ

Χαρίτων ἕκατι τόνδε κῶμον,


MEDEIS: and( indeed )four times!

καὶ τετράκις,

ADEIMANTOS: and somehow somebody

he captures beauty

in that old reach for glory,

PINDAR: ( this )after the LONGEST time( long-

expected )( late? NEVER! )( most enduring )

( most in-the-end )( most coming-in-due-course )LIGHT

( o light! )( of )far-and-widely-reaching-POWERFUL EXCELLENCE.

χρονιώτατον φάος εὐρυσθενέων ἀρετᾶν.

ADEIMANTOS: and if we combine them,

SOKRATES: and if such as( he )

( we )come-into-being( are born,

produced, fall due, take-place, come-

to-pass )( you ),

ἂν οἷός τε γένωμαι,

ADEIMANTOS: we have to admit

somebodys ode

( makes me forget )

about my sorrows for a minute,

PINDAR: for( it )comes( attains-to )( reaches )( the )CHARIOT

( carriages )( shelters )( harbors )( vessels )

of PSAUMIS( victor in the MULE race ),

Ψαύμιος γὰρ ἵκει
[20]

ὀχέων,

ADEIMANTOS: both hold me familiar

as ( weve allowed to be traced )

some underwater lines,

MEDEIS: who perished( died )then in wide( broad )Troy,

οἳ τότ᾽ ὄλοντο

Τροίῃ

PINDAR: who, ( being )WREATHED( and crowned )

( to-by-for the )OLIVE tree( of )Pisa,

ὅς, ἐλαίᾳ στεφανωθεὶς Πισάτιδι,

ADEIMANTOS: reminders of those

with whom we used to wish

that we could coexist,

MEDEIS: bringing grace( favor, gratitude )( gratification )

( pleasure, delight )( satisfaction )( thanks )

( to-by-for )( the )sons of Atreus,

ἐν εὐρείῃ χάριν Ἀτρεΐδῃσι φέροντες.

ADEIMANTOS: ( and we try to remember )

what it feels like to be seen

and celebrated,

PINDAR: ( LET LOOSE! )( would )stir up

( to call-forth )GLORY( kudos! )

( renown )( to-by-for )Kamarina,

κῦδος ὄρσαι

σπεύδει Καμαρίνᾳ.

ADEIMANTOS: but at least hes not always going on

about hekatombs anymore,

SOKRATES: ( we )would( will )try

( attempt, endeavor, experience )

to go-through( pass-through, complete, spread-

abroad, shoot-through, pass-through-and-reach,

recount ),

πειράσομαι διελθεῖν.

ADEIMANTOS: does he realize ( there are people watching )

when he says these things? nobodys relationship

with himself ( we )is( being ) his deep flaw,

we see him

( when we want to skip to the end ),

MEDEIS: as( o dyad-god )( she was binding )( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( she was in-need )( need, you )

( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be )

would( that )( we- )i( -being )at least( had )died

and( indeed )( had )( driven-to )met( my )destiny,

ὡς δὴ ἐγώ γ᾽ ὄφελον θανέειν καὶ πότμον ἐπισπεῖν

ADEIMANTOS: whereas somebody brings this feeling

of ( little fires lighting up along the way )

and then he makes them HUGE,

he speaks to stadia,

PINDAR: may( the )GOD be JOYFUL-HEARTED

( goodly-phrenes )( mirthful, merry, taking pleasure,

gracious, kind, kindly, benevolent )

( to-by-for )( their )remaining( future )( hence-

forward )( hereafter )( further )PRAYERS

( vows, wishes, aspirations );

θεὸς εὔφρων

εἴη λοιπαῖς εὐχαῖς:

ADEIMANTOS: and nobody lets us relive

our worst moments, he just offers himself

with some strangers generosity, like

MEDEIS: ( to-by-for )the day when( to-by-for )me

the greatest multitude of Trojans cast( their )brass-tipped spears

around( about )( the )slain( perished )( Achilles )son of Peleus,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε μοι πλεῖστοι χαλκήρεα δοῦρα

(310) Τρῶες ἐπέρριψαν περὶ Πηλεΐωνι θανόντι.

ADEIMANTOS: as somebody champions thumos,

our horses shiver to hear him speak,

PINDAR: since( you are approaching- and following-

upon )( to-by-for )( the dyad-word-song )

( WE )PRAISE( tell of )( approve )( commend )

him-her( who is )EXTREMELY( DYAD-SECRETLY! )even( INDEED )

AT HAND( ready )( prepared )( at once

and without hesitation )( ready-active-zealous )

( bold )( brought to fulfilment )( eager )

( to-by-for the )EDUCATION( nourishment,

food, provisions, forage, livelihood, nurture,

rearing, generation and keeping )( of )HORSES,

ἐπεί νιν αἰνέω μάλα μὲν

τροφαῖς ἑτοῖμον ἵππων,

ADEIMANTOS: as nobody fantasizes his own death,

MEDEIS: ( to-by-for )it( we would have received

A LOT )of funeral gifts,

τῷ κ᾽ ἔλαχον κτερέων,

ADEIMANTOS: somebody reminds us of being our best,

PINDAR: and REJOICING( o rejoicing ones! )

( to-by-for )ALL-RECEIVING XENIA( guest-

friendships and stranger-hospitalities ),

χαίροντά τε ξενίαις πανδόκοις

ADEIMANTOS: as nobody fantasizes about fame,

as part of fantasizing about his death,

such as this, our problematic man,

MEDEIS: and( indeed )( we would have taken )

( the )Achaians( would have )brought me

glory( kleos - fame, rumor, report ),

καί μευ κλέος ἦγον Ἀχαιοί:

ADEIMANTOS: whereas somebody makes the city-

soul ache

with possibility,

PINDAR: and( indeed )toward CITY-LOVING PEACE

( rest, quiet, silence, stillness ),

SELF-TURNING( tetrammenon )( to-by-for )CLEAR

( pure, spotless, free )THOUGHT

( judgment, intelligence, knowing, understanding,

opinion, resolution, purpose, resolve ),

καὶ πρὸς ἁσυχίαν φιλόπολιν καθαρᾷ γνώμᾳ τετραμμένον.

ADEIMANTOS: the possibility of somebody

or something, being some city

worth dying for,

SOKRATES: this( even )( indeed )therefore( we )

( o ways, o powers of song! )suppose

( forebode, presage, expect,

suspect, intend, believe )( the )all( o all! )

will agree( same-saying )( he would agree )

( she would agree )( you will agree )

( to-by-for )we

( she-dyad-confession )( to-by-for confession-she ),

τόδε μὲν οὖν οἶμαι πᾶς ἡμῖν ὁμολογήσει,

ADEIMANTOS: ( silently ) we side with nobody

almost all the time, even

when what he says is plainly wrong,

MEDEIS: but now( it had been )fated( me )

( to be )seized( captured )( taken )( slain )

( to-by-for )( a )wretched( sorry )( pitiful )

( contemptuous )death,

νῦν δέ λευγαλέῳ θανάτῳ εἵμαρτο ἁλῶναι.

HOMER: so there-and-then( dyad-he )speaking it —

ὣς ἄρα μιν εἰπόντ᾽

PINDAR: ( WE )( would-will )NOT STAIN

( you are not stained )( wet, moisten, soften, dye )

( the )WORD( to-by-for )FALSEHOOD,

οὐ ψεύδεϊ τέγξω λόγον:
[30]

ADEIMANTOS: ( breathe ) we remind myself

as we realize what we witness,

HOMER: ( the )GREAT WAVE( billowing, swelling,

heaving, flood )( PREGNANCY-fetus-sprout )DROVE-

( propelled-thrusted-struck )-DOWN( against-

through )( from the )HIGHEST( topmost-extremity

)( a )TERRIBLE( dreadful, wondrous, awful,

clever )RUSHING-( hastening,

speeding )-against,

ἔλασεν μέγα κῦμα κατ᾽ ἄκρης

δεινὸν ἐπεσσύμενον,

ADEIMANTOS: somebody versus nobody

would ignite

to tame the tempest,

PINDAR: ( o )SHE-TRIAL( we drive-through )( the crucial

experiment )( trial )( proof )( perseverance )

( to-by-for )YOU( let me tell you )( would be )

( the )ELENCHOS( argument )( disproof,

refutation, cross-examination, testing,

scrutiny, trial, reproach, blame,

etc )( of )MORTAL MEN,

διάπειρά τοι βροτῶν ἔλεγχος:


ADEIMANTOS: what does nobody fight for,

his craft?

HOMER: but( it )WHIRLED( he raised the battle-cry )

( he raised a lament )( he cried loudly )AROUND

( about )( the SHE- )raft( hand-to-hand )

( in close combat ),

περὶ δὲ σχεδίην ἐλέλιξε.

ADEIMANTOS: and somebody for what,

the reinstatement of whats right?

PINDAR: ( the )SHE-DYAD( who )UNBOUND

( unfastened, unyoked, released, delivered,

resolved, destroyed, annulled )the CHILD

( Erginos? )of Klumenos from( the )DISHONOR

( disgrace )( derision )( deprivation

of civil rights )( of the )Lemnian women,

ἅπερ Κλυμένοιο παῖδα

Λαμνιάδων γυναικῶν
ἔλυσεν ἐξ ἀτιμίας.

ADEIMANTOS: so different, yet

we are burning with them both,

and ( soon we are wildfire ) listening

to their voices in myself resolving,

SOKRATES: such( a )nature( growth-origin,

outward-form, constitution-temperament,

character, originating-power, elementary-

substance, birth )and( indeed )

she-having-and-holding( he-)all as much

( she-dyad )as we enjoined( commanded,

prescribed, posted, appointed )just-now,

τοιαύτην φύσιν καὶ πάντα ἔχουσαν ὅσα προσετάξαμεν νυνδή,

ADEIMANTOS: ( and then the moment is over )

and nobody loses, but he does it to himself,

HOMER: but FAR-off from( the SHE- )raft

( close-quarters )( hand-to-hand combat )( spur

of the moment )( he- )HIMSELF hurled

( let fall, self-threw )( lost the erect position )

( fell in battle )( SUNK ),

(315) τῆλε δ᾽ ἀπὸ σχεδίης αὐτὸς πέσε,

ADEIMANTOS: whereas theres something

strong-humble, humbling, common-strong,

about somebody, a peoples man,

PINDAR: but CONQUERING( winning )

( the )race( COURSE )( of victories )

in bronze( copper coins )armor,

χαλκέοισι δ᾽ ἐν ἔντεσι νικῶν δρόμον


ADEIMANTOS: then again,

what wouldnt nobody sacrifice

of his own self?

HOMER: but( it )sent-forth( threw-hurled-launched-

let-fly )( let fall a word )( uttered in speech )

( let go )( surrendered )( the )rudder out( from his )hands,

πηδάλιον δὲ

ἐκ χειρῶν προέηκε:

ADEIMANTOS: and indeed,

PINDAR: ( he )said( to-by-for )Hupsipule( high-and-lofty passage ),

ἔειπεν Ὑψιπυλείᾳ

ADEIMANTOS: high versus middle?

HOMER: but( the )MIDDLE( to-by-for)itself

( of the )MAST — broke( shivered )

( the SHE- )terrible( fearsome, marvelous,

clever, wondrous )( of )mixing winds

( she )coming( -and-going )HURRICANE,

μέσον δέ οἱ ἱστὸν ἔαξεν

δεινὴ μισγομένων ἀνέμων ἐλθοῦσα θύελλα,

ADEIMANTOS: o high versus middle

versus the HURRICANE they create,

PINDAR: after going( and coming )

( to the )GARLAND( crown )( wreath ),

μετὰ στέφανον ἰών:

ADEIMANTOS: the one they live for,

HOMER: but FAR-OFF( we were SOWING )

( they were sowing )( sow, you )( o sowing )

( sowing )( the sowing )( the )sail( clothing )

( wraps )( shroud )and( indeed )( the )yard-arm

( were )flung-into( FALL, you )( ENTER into )

( come upon )( STRIKE )( the )SEA,

τηλοῦ δὲ σπεῖρον καὶ ἐπίκριον ἔμπεσε πόντῳ.

ADEIMANTOS: if ( a sense of security )

maybe ( we tell myself ) would

call nobody home,

SOKRATES: if finally( having reached its end,

finished, complete, perfect, full-grown,

accomplished thoroughly, and )about to become

( be born, come-into-being )

philosophos( wisdom-love ),

εἰ τελέως (491β) μέλλοι φιλόσοφος γενέσθαι,

ADEIMANTOS: ( until next time ) something

nobody-like slips out,

HOMER: but there-and-then UNDERWATER( she )put him,

( for a )LONGGG time,

τὸν δ᾽ ἄρ᾽ ὑπόβρυχα θῆκε πολὺν χρόνον,

ADEIMANTOS: she-being a strong

container for nobodys ways,

HUPSIPULE: this( WE )i( BEING )( to-by-for )SWIFTNESS( quickness )( speed ),

‘ οὗτος ἐγὼ ταχυτᾶτι:


ADEIMANTOS: but neither is nobody spotless

nor is the poet altogether so,

it may be ( by something small )

but it irks me how they blame her,

she-being Kalupso,

HOMER: nor( was he )able very( dyad-underwater-

secretly )quickly( to )hold-up( lift-up, surface )

( from )under( the )great wave( swelling-

billowing-surge )( pregnancy )( of )( the SHE- )ATTACK;

for( the )clothes there-and-then( were )OPPRESSING

( and depressing )( him ),

the( SHE-DYAD )( to-by-for )itself( o passage!

o resource! )( she )GAVE( give, you! )

through( we would-will HIDE and CONCEAL )

( you hide and cover )Kalupso,

οὐδ᾽ ἐδυνάσθη

(320) αἶψα μάλ᾽ ἀνσχεθέειν μεγάλου ὑπὸ κύματος ὁρμῆς:

εἵματα γάρ ῥ᾽ ἐβάρυνε, τά οἱ πόρε δῖα Καλυψώ.

ADEIMANTOS: but even nobody

with his actions says ( fuck the end goal ),

HOMER: but after a longgg time( LATE? )( NEVER )

( o dyad-god )( she was binding )( bind, you )( god-needed-

bound )( she was in-need )( need, you )

( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be )

there-and-then( he )came up,

ὀψὲ δὲ δή ῥ᾽ ἀνέδυ,

ADEIMANTOS: but when she delivers his medicine,

HUPSIPULE: but HANDS and( indeed )HEART( being )EQUAL( evenly )( alike ),

χεῖρες δὲ καὶ ἦτορ ἴσον.

ADEIMANTOS: he spits it out,

and again the poet takes his side,

( shewaters a lil preachy for them? )

HOMER: but( from her )mouth( she )SPIT-OUT

( the )( SHE- )bitter( sharp, keen, piercing, acute,

pungent, mean! )( SHE- )sea-water( BRINE ),

( she )which( to-by-for )itself( she- )much

from( the she- )head( was )gushing( gurgling,

murmuring, babbling, trickling, flowing fitfully, or in drops . . . )

στόματος δ᾽ ἐξέπτυσεν ἅλμην

πικρήν, ἥ οἱ πολλὴ ἀπὸ κρατὸς κελάρυζεν.

ADEIMANTOS: to walk the slight edge

between nobody, and somebody,

( we-being HUPSIPULE ) and the poet too,

showing-through the best of each,

SOKRATES: rarely( oligakis-slightly )born

among human beings

( to grow, wax, spring-up, spring-forth,

begotten, produced ),

and(indeed)oligas(very-slight-few),

ὀλιγάκις ἐν ἀνθρώποις φύεσθαι καὶ ὀλίγας.

HUPSIPULE: but( it )GROWS,

[40] φύονται δὲ

ADEIMANTOS: but she has nature

and he has his memory ( of her ),

HOMER: but still not even like( he was )forgetting

( the she- )raft( hand-to-hand )( close combat ),

roundly wearing-out( distressed, afflicted, exhausted,

born-hard-upon, reduced to extremity,

being-rubbed-hard, with troubles ),

ἀλλ᾽ οὐδ᾽ ὣς σχεδίης ἐπελήθετο, τειρόμενός περ,

ADEIMANTOS: and having been accustomed

to going and coming between them,

as butterfly men, even just for fun,

even with our ( eyes closed ),

HUPSIPULE: and( indeed )( you would swim )

( you would spin )( you would pile up )

( in heaps )( and for next year ),

SHE-GRAYNESS( gray-grizzled-grizlies )

( of hair )OFTEN( grows )in YOUNG MEN,

καὶ νέοις ἐν ἀνδράσιν


πολιαὶ θαμὰ

ADEIMANTOS: and doesnt he have a habit

of providing commentary

( often in the form of a question )

( we werent going to ask for ) ?

to which we reply ( enjoy the journey ),

SOKRATES: ( either )or( else-otherwise )( eh! )( do )nt( you )suppose?

ἢ οὐκ οἴει;

ADEIMANTOS: and even in her ( fighting sleep )

( like neither nobody nor somebody )

she-being constant revolutionary,

HUPSIPULE: and( indeed )beside( towards )( contrary

to )( against )( beyond )that

( of the )AGE( time of life )( generation )( prime ),

καὶ παρὰ τὸν ἁλικίας

ADEIMANTOS: but ( given ) that nobody

makes an excellent lover,

HOMER: but still rushing-in-pursuit( making a dash )

( passively )in-through( the )waves( billowing-

swelling-pregnancies )( he )received( took hold )( of )herself,

(325) ἀλλὰ μεθορμηθεὶς ἐνὶ κύμασιν ἐλλάβετ᾽ αὐτῆς,

ADEIMANTOS: but when it comes to problems

where we might say ( a good sleep wont fix this )

( anything other than a tempest-tantrum ),

his response seems pretty strong,

HOMER: but in( her )middle( he )sat( and huddled- )down,

ἐν μέσσῃ δὲ καθῖζε

HUPSIPULE: ( contrary to what at )( the )TIME seeming-likely,

ἐοικότα χρόνον.’

ADEIMANTOS: nobody survives,

HOMER: avoiding deaths end,

τέλος θανάτου ἀλεείνων.

ADEIMANTOS: yet hes also like a baby,

who always wants back into the storm,

who just likes getting spun around.

nobody may not be a place to live,

but its his energy that drives us on,

when were on the move.

//

from hymn to Apollo

Republic VI

Odyssey V.299-326, XI.613-626

Pindar Olympian 4

in a language unknown

wildfire

tiny lines

end goal

fighting sleep

Oct 1, 2026 ∞

Sep 29, 2026 ∞

VIII.xx. silken-light ( good at math ) heart-music

ADEIMANTOS: and our serious work

would be to keep her safe,

SOKRATES: as( she is )utterly destroyed in many,

ὡς διόλλυται ἐν πολλοῖς,

ADEIMANTOS: evidently.

but as ( youre in bed already )

our dreaming seems an active sleep

( to determine compatibility )

( singles inferno for meta-poetic we )

then does it end with you and me?

SOKRATES: but something( someone )small escapes

( acquitted, out, you flee ),

σμικρὸν δέ τι ἐκφεύγει,

ADEIMANTOS: by pollination or some kind of aerial seed,

( we guess its how these shes grew me )

or they could be the ( simple formulas )

for our calculator. she makes a kind of logic

( but we try not to hurry ) in order to find,

SOKRATES: ( those )which

( o dyad-god )( she was binding )( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( she was in-need )( need, you )

( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be ),

οὓς δὴ

ADEIMANTOS: she being who it looks like

as intelligence withdraws from arms races.

so youd better believe she treats herself well,

( herself given manicures and pedicures,

herself taken crystal baths in pastel oceans,

wherein her pearlescent bubbles ) the foam

has ample time ( the sea ) ( we-are-beingly ) really

( the measure of her own motion )

( we-time ) o-clock,

herself-care,

SOKRATES: and( indeed )not useless

( toilsome, grievous, toxic, malicious,

good-for-nothing waste ),

καὶ οὐ πονηρούς,

ADEIMANTOS: ( but no outcome we form )

apart from this-me born ( to-by-for ) her

( to caress every curve ) her goddess curves

( Hera, Gaia, all of hers ) apart from Zeus.

and our service ( to-by-for ) unserviceable she,

SOKRATES: but( they beauty- )call

( they will beauty-call )( to-by-for )( beauty-callings )

useless( unprofitable, unserviceable,

irrelevant, obsolete ),

ἀχρήστους δὲ καλοῦσι:

ADEIMANTOS: and indeed ( we are in my favour )

wearing only ( the sweet scent of raspberry )

( ylang-ylang, vanilla, lavender & patchouli )

( torn basil and tomato and thyme )

( oops was getting hungry )

what more could you want than that?

SOKRATES: and( indeed )after that

back again( bow wow )

the( shes )imitating( representing, portraying,

mimicking, expressing )this( she ),

καὶ μετὰ (491α) τοῦτο αὖ τὰς μιμουμένας ταύτην

ADEIMANTOS: and indeed this-she ( holds

the memory of summer ) somehow

in her animal sounds, as by the dog,

the butterfly, et cetera

( but then again ) what more?

SOKRATES: and( indeed )establishing( setting-down,

instituting )( themselves )( in )the pursuit

( business-practice-custom )( of )herself,

καὶ εἰς τὸ ἐπιτήδευμα καθισταμένας αὐτῆς,

ADEIMANTOS: and if we would ever be

at home ( on my skin ) then how?

SOKRATES: ( of )what sorts( of o )natures

( growths, births, origins )we-being

( to-by-for o )we-being

( you blow and puff )( you would-will bring-forth )

( you would-will flee, escape, fly )( of cool )

( contemplating through the cool of night )souls

( living beings, spirits, ghosts, selves, sources-of-life ),

( o refreshing in the shade )( refreshing )( the refreshing

in the shade )( o making-alive )( making-alive )

( they were making-alive )( we are making-alive )

( to make-alive )( the making-alive ),

οἷαι οὖσαι φύσεις ψυχῶν

ADEIMANTOS: and indeed she being ( silken ) ( and slippery )

and too ( alive ) too ( femme ) for hands to grasp.

from that mistrial, which theys would conclude

( hint - ) ( not the most measured ones )

we never were good at math?

SOKRATES: and( indeed )( who )( arriving-at,

coming-to, approaching )( a )pursuit( business-

practice )in( the )not( held as )worthy( of )

( and )( lordly-kingly )( and )larger

( greater )than them( he-she-it )selves,

εἰς ἀνάξιον καὶ μεῖζον ἑαυτῶν ἀφικνούμεναι ἐπιτήδευμα,

ADEIMANTOS: ( yet ) ( he practices letting her approach him )

so in these ( there is a lightness ) like laughter,

these letting-go, these letting-play, these letting-be,

( as we dive under blankets ) to express her-

SOKRATES: ( shes who )in-many-ways( would

be )( in error )making-false-notes

( offending music ),

πολλαχῇ πλημμελοῦσαι,

ADEIMANTOS: yet still shes cool ( cool as the river ravine,

yet shes who will in many ways say, whoopsie,

yet her parts she be concealing from herself.

yet when we exhale ) and you breathe me in

( our currents would make music ) under my skin,

( as she would balance ) ( to-by-for ) her warming heart.

//

from hymn to Apollo

Odyssey XI.613-626

Republic VI

silken

good at math

lightness

Sep 28, 2026 ∞

VIII.xix. beyond the frame ( wrong direction ) of the butterfly sanctuary

( beyond the frame + wrong direction + unfin + good at math )

ADEIMANTOS: O beloved Sokrates, remind me again.

what was my purpose?

SOKRATES: her-remembrance,

μνήμη:

ADEIMANTOS: for whom ( we brace myself ),

SOKRATES: and( indeed )of your laying( self )hold,

καὶ σοῦ ἐπιλαβομένου

ADEIMANTOS: she for whom ( we travel

in the wrong direction ) from myself,

as if we could insist

SOKRATES: that( even the )all( o all )will be( forced )

compelled to agree-with( same-saying )

( to-by-for )( that )which( we )were saying,

ὅτι πᾶς μὲν ἀναγκασθήσεται (490δ) ὁμολογεῖν οἷς λέγομεν,

ADEIMANTOS: but ( the distance between us greater ) grows

when we harden ( for the question

that never comes ),

SOKRATES: but( when )letting-be( suffering, permitting,

giving-up, letting-alone, letting-lie, and letting-go )

( you let-go )( o he-letting-go )( her-letting-go )the words

( speeches-accounts-reckonings-relations-correspondences-

proportions-explanations-arguments-thinkings-reasonings-

reflections-narratives-rumors-discussions-debates-

deliberations-dialogues-utterances-oracles-

assertions-expressions-grounds ),

ἐάσας δὲ τοὺς λόγους,

ADEIMANTOS: we put my finger in the cup

( and find out the answer )

regardless of my will

( yet we feel closer to you )

yet closer to whom?

SOKRATES: ( o )looking-steadfastly( paying-attention )

( look-steadfastly, you, in- )to the( him )selves

around( about )the( one-he )logos( speech-account-relation )of them,

εἰς αὐτοὺς ἀποβλέψας περὶ ὧν ὁ λόγος,

ADEIMANTOS: and unsure which self would be him,

what if ( we are shaped like a question )

and we would supply familiar features

( in this place of unfamiliar faces )

for him to recognize himself?

SOKRATES: ( he )would say( the grey would affirm )

to see of selves( on the one hand )

the useless( unprofitable, unservicable )( ones),

φαίη ὁρᾶν αὐτῶν τοὺς μὲν ἀχρήστους,

ADEIMANTOS: and what a time wed have

in contemplation of our uselessness.

but ( what if we want your mind )

do we mean my mind or whose?

( where we can be anyone )

and even hims of sundry use?

SOKRATES: but( on the other hand )( to see if )

the many evil( bad-uglies )

( would be )( she )whole-evil( bad-ugly-shame ),

( they sprinkle )( o sprinkling )( barley-groats

on medicinal wine )( the sprinkling )( the sprinklings ),

τοὺς δὲ πολλοὺς κακοὺς πᾶσαν κακίαν,

ADEIMANTOS: and ( wandering ) around my dreams,

my imagination, my day-to-day,

we might put ( sprinkles! )

on ( anything ) thats thrown-across

or -through ( dia - ballein ),

SOKRATES: ( we, o )looking-upon( inspecting, observing,

carefully, taking-care, visiting, like visiting the sick,

considering, reflecting, meditating on )the cause

( of )the slander( thrown-through )( false-accusation-

prejudice-against ),

upon this( he-it )now( we have become )been born,

τῆς διαβολῆς τὴν αἰτίαν ἐπισκοποῦντες ἐπὶ τούτῳ νῦν γεγόναμεν,

ADEIMANTOS: upon . . . this-which ? o,

this one ( he-it ) who comes and goes

( here on my bare thighs ) ( guilty as charged )

leaving butterfly ( pòò ) like

love letters to the nectarine,

SOKRATES: ( who, which, what )why

( o drinkers, o longing ones, o yearning ones,

are you flying hither-thither,

o wine-tasting-drinking )( would be )

the many( o the many )bads

( evils-uglies-sicknesses-shames ) ( ? )

τί ποθ᾽ οἱ πολλοὶ κακοί,

ADEIMANTOS: maybe when we come and go

to that place ( where your hands cant be )

( and take a sip ) and leave a sign

thats when ( we feel closer to you ),

and closer to her whom we remember,

SOKRATES: and( indeed )on account of this —

( o dyad-god )( it was binding )( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( it was in-need )( need, you )

( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be ) —

back again weve taken-up the nature( growth-origin )

of the truly( unconcealedly )wisdom-lovers,

καὶ τούτου δὴ ἕνεκα πάλιν ἀνειλήφαμεν

τὴν τῶν ἀληθῶς φιλοσόφων φύσιν

ADEIMANTOS: like the butterfly men,

those ( hes ) who come and go to such as these,

and drinking nectar where my feet cant go.

and ( what if we want your mind ) also

( as the mind of me or any he ) wandering

around the outermost-edges, where experience

and even ( words escape me ),

SOKRATES: and( indeed )we defined( a boundary,

determining and laying out, our horizon )out-of necessity,

καὶ ἐξ ἀνάγκης ὡρισάμεθα.(490ε)

HERA: hear( of )me now, o Earths( Gaia )

and( indeed )the Sky( Ouranos )broad-from-above,

and o Titan gods, dwelling( to-by-for )you under-

earth( chthon ), around mighty Tartaros,

out-of-whom( be )men and gods,

κέκλυτε νῦν μευ, Γαῖα καὶ Οὐρανὸς εὐρὺς ὕπερθεν

Τιτῆνές τε θεοί, τοὶ ὑπὸ χθονὶ ναιετάοντες

Τάρταρον ἀμφὶ μέγαν, τῶν ἒξ ἄνδρες τε θεοί τε:

SAILORS: ( we )is( are ) ( ! )

ἔστιν,

SOKRATES: so we hypothesize our whole.

( but we cant escape sleep ) together,

which leaves me ( wondering ) about you,

SAILORS: he was saying,

ἔφη,

SOKRATES: but knowing that neither do we know

( what the palm of your hand ) would have-and-hold,

for whom ( these lines will remain ) as parts,

SAILORS: these(shes),

ταῦτα.

SOKRATES: nor do we know what you ( will find

beyond the frame ) of my lived experience,

thats why these-shes we make would be

un-we ( unfin ) until finished by her-yous,

HERA: ( o )all selves, now hear me, and( indeed )give

( of me a )child

apart( away, aloof )from Zeus,

αὐτοὶ νῦν μευ πάντες ἀκούσατε καὶ δότε παῖδα

νόσφι Διός,

SOKRATES: of this-she

( o dyad-god )( she was binding)( bind, you )

( god-needed-bound )( she was in-need )

( need, you )( the dyad-god )( indeed )must( be ),

ταύτης δή,

ADEIMANTOS: fully dyadic ( goddess ) poetry . . .

( using the golden calculator we become )

the calculator we turn me into?

( we calculate probabilities ) and then . . .

would ( we brace myself ) around

open meadows of indeterminacy?

SOKRATES: but( if )( they are )( he is )

( we are )saying( we )ego( being ),

ἦν δ᾽ ἐγώ,

ADEIMANTOS: we being free to grow and move

until ( possibilities whirlpool in my head )

as her primordial stew of productivity . . .

but would that mean ( the question never comes ),

SOKRATES: of the( she-nature )( growth-birth-

origin-form-character-substance-dyad )

( it was binding )( it was needful )

( need, you )( bind, you )

must be,

to observe( behold, gaze-at, contemplate )

the destructions( ruins, passings-away, deaths,

corruptions )( of )the( she )nature,

τῆς φύσεως δεῖ θεάσασθαι τὰς φθοράς,

ADEIMANTOS: so not as question, but as necessity . . .

on the one hand ( we answer it anyway ),

as witness to his scatological remains,

as dipped fingers in my pudding cup ( amen ),

risking but slight redness to my dainty skin,

as follies, soap operas, unicorn-porn, born

with ( sprinkles! ) blizzarded-in from you and you,

like cookies starry night with richest cream,

to tempt and tame the little butterbeasts

until the airs astir with fluttering wings,

in-palms-holding his heartbeats memory,

perchance, before releasing me unto herself —

o glorious pollination! or on the other hand,

where re-enactment might make her unsafe,

( we list characteristics ) as for cased specimens:

the Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae,

Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae of her corruptions.

and every butterfly would be a mask —

our temple-dwelling her sanctuary inviolable.

//

from hymn to Apollo

Odyssey XI.613-626

Republic VI

beyond the frame

wrong direction

unfin

good at math

Sep 27, 2026 ∞



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