Dear You (Two Fragments from Sappho)

Fragment 31

He seems to me equal to gods that man
whoever he is who opposite you
sits and listens close
            to your sweet speaking

and lovely laughing-oh it
puts the heart in my chest on wings
for when I look at you, even a moment, no speaking
            is left in me

no: tongue breaks and thin
fire is racing under skin
and in eyes no sight and drumming
            fills ears

and cold sweat holds me and shaking
grips me all, green than grass
I am and dead-or almost
            I seem to me.

But all is to be dared, because even a person of poverty

Fragment 38

                  you burn me






Translated by Anne Carson