An Ode to Sappho of Lesbos

you were the “tenth muse,”
the “female Homer,”
the poet whose works’ exquisite writing
matched only her criticism.
the men who said that your songs 
were an expression of your own sinfulness;
the pope who ordered the destruction
of the papyrus leaves to which 
you projected 
desire.

the fragments of Sapphic stanzas
found in the barren remains
reassembled together;
your passion,
your love,
your voice
has pierced through
misogyny and homophobia.

“I say someone in another time will remember us”
we did, Saphho, we did, and now the world can finally appreciate your enchanting voice