'We shall enjoy it' by Sappho


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We shall enjoy it
as for him who finds
fault, may silliness
and sorrow take him!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"We Shall Enjoy It" by Sappho: A Timeless Ode to Love

Are you ready to be transported back in time over two thousand years ago? Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of ancient Greece and to discover one of the greatest poets of all time? Then come with me as we delve into the enchanting world of Sappho and her exquisite poem, "We Shall Enjoy It."

Introducing Sappho: The Poetess of Love

Let us start by getting to know Sappho, the poetess of love, who lived in the 7th century BC on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Sappho was one of the most celebrated poets of her time, revered for her lyric poetry and her ability to express the intensity and beauty of love. She was known for her extraordinary talent in creating musical compositions, which she sang with her beloved female companions on the island. Her poetry was not only admired for its artistic merit but also for its emotional depth, honesty, and vulnerability.

Sappho's poetry was groundbreaking in its exploration of the female experience and same-sex love, which was not accepted or understood in ancient Greek society. Her poems celebrated the beauty and complexity of female desire and the joy of being in love. Sappho's influence on Western literature and culture is immeasurable, and her legacy has inspired countless poets, writers, and artists throughout history.

The Poem: "We Shall Enjoy It"

Now let us turn our attention to Sappho's poem, "We Shall Enjoy It," a beautiful and sensual ode to love. The poem is short but powerful, consisting of only four lines, yet it captures the essence of love in its purest form.

We shall enjoy it
while we can -
and leave tomorrow
to happen as it may.

The poem expresses the idea that love should be savored, enjoyed, and celebrated in the present moment, without worrying about the future. Love is fleeting, and we never know what tomorrow may bring, so it is essential to seize the moment and revel in the joy of being in love while we can.

The poem's brevity is one of its most striking features, as it distills the complexity and depth of love into a concise and powerful statement. Sappho's ability to convey so much in so few words is a testament to her mastery of the art of poetry.

Interpretation: The Beauty of Transience

The theme of impermanence is central to Sappho's poem, as she reminds us that love, like all things in life, is fleeting and ephemeral. The poem encourages us to embrace the present moment and to appreciate the beauty of love while it lasts. It reminds us that life is a journey, and we must cherish each moment, knowing that it may be our last.

Sappho's use of the word "enjoy" is significant, as it suggests a sense of pleasure and happiness that comes from being in love. The word "enjoy" also implies a temporary state, as if love is something that cannot be sustained indefinitely. Indeed, the poem's use of the word "can" suggests that love is limited by time and circumstances, and we must make the most of it while we can.

The poem's final line, "to happen as it may," is a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and the uncertainty of the future. The phrase suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if we must let go of our attachment to the present moment and allow life to unfold as it will. The poem's message is not to dwell on the future or worry about what may come, but to focus on the present and cherish the beauty of love in the here and now.

Style and Technique: The Music of Love

Sappho's poetry was renowned for its musicality, and "We Shall Enjoy It" is no exception. The poem's brevity and simplicity belies its musical complexity, as Sappho uses a variety of techniques to create a lyrical and melodic quality to her words.

The poem's use of repetition is one of its most notable features, as Sappho repeats the word "we" in the first line and the word "it" in the second line. This repetition creates a sense of unity and harmony, as if the lovers are in perfect accord with one another. The repetition also emphasizes the poem's central message of enjoying love while we can, as if the lovers are reminding themselves of the importance of savoring the moment.

Sappho's use of enjambment is another notable feature of the poem, as she ends the first line with "enjoy it" and the second line with "while we can." This technique creates a sense of forward momentum, as if the lovers are moving inexorably towards their destiny. The enjambment also creates a sense of urgency and importance, as if the lovers are reminding themselves of the fleeting nature of love.

Finally, Sappho's use of assonance and consonance creates a sense of musicality and rhythm to the poem. The repeated "w" sounds in the first line and the repeated "l" sounds in the second line create a sense of harmony and balance, as if the lovers are in perfect sync with one another.

Conclusion: A Timeless Ode to Love

"We Shall Enjoy It" is a timeless ode to love, a beautiful and poignant reminder of the transience and beauty of life. Sappho's mastery of language and her ability to distill the complexity and depth of love into a short and simple poem is a testament to her skill as a poet. The poem's central message of enjoying love in the present moment is as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago, and its message of acceptance and resignation reminds us of the importance of letting go of our attachment to the future and embracing the beauty of the present. In short, "We Shall Enjoy It" is a masterpiece of poetry, a testament to the enduring power and beauty of love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

We Shall Enjoy It: A Deep Dive into Sappho's Classic Poetry

Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess, is known for her lyrical and emotional poetry that has stood the test of time. Her works have been translated and studied for centuries, and one of her most famous poems is "We Shall Enjoy It." In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic piece of poetry and explore its themes, structure, and significance.

Background

Sappho was born on the island of Lesbos in the 7th century BC and was known for her poetry, which was often sung accompanied by a lyre. She was a prolific writer, and although most of her works have been lost, fragments of her poetry have survived. "We Shall Enjoy It" is one of her most famous poems, and it is believed to have been written in the 6th century BC.

Themes

The poem "We Shall Enjoy It" is a celebration of love and desire. Sappho writes about the joy of being in love and the excitement of being with someone you desire. The poem is filled with sensual imagery, and Sappho uses language that is both beautiful and evocative.

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of living in the moment. Sappho encourages her readers to enjoy the present and not worry about the future. She writes, "Let us not think of tomorrow, dear friend, / But enjoy this moment while it lasts." This idea of living in the moment is a common theme in Sappho's poetry, and it is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life and love.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of female desire. Sappho was known for writing about love and desire between women, and "We Shall Enjoy It" is no exception. The poem is addressed to a female friend, and Sappho writes about the pleasure of being with someone of the same sex. This was a radical idea in ancient Greece, where homosexuality was not widely accepted, and Sappho's poetry was often censored or suppressed.

Structure

"We Shall Enjoy It" is a lyric poem, which means it is meant to be sung or recited. The poem is written in Sapphic meter, which is a complex form of poetry that was named after Sappho herself. The meter consists of three long lines followed by a shorter line, and it creates a musical rhythm that is both beautiful and haunting.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the theme of the poem. The second stanza is the longest and describes the joy of being in love. The third stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to enjoy the moment and not worry about the future.

Significance

"We Shall Enjoy It" is a significant poem for several reasons. First, it is a celebration of love and desire, which was a radical idea in ancient Greece. Sappho's poetry challenged traditional ideas about gender and sexuality, and her work was often censored or suppressed.

Second, the poem is an example of Sappho's mastery of the Sapphic meter. This complex form of poetry was named after her, and it is a testament to her skill as a poet.

Finally, "We Shall Enjoy It" is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life and love. Sappho encourages her readers to live in the moment and enjoy the present. This message is still relevant today, and the poem continues to inspire readers around the world.

Conclusion

Sappho's "We Shall Enjoy It" is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates love and desire. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life and to live in the moment. Sappho's mastery of the Sapphic meter and her radical ideas about gender and sexuality make this poem a significant work of literature. Despite being written over 2,500 years ago, "We Shall Enjoy It" continues to inspire readers today and is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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