For the Aegenitan Lad Who Won the Pankration
“From every ship and boat, my song” ~ Pindar, Nemean Ode 5
We wonder if some ancient sailors sang
The lines of Pindar as they crossed the seas
Below their masts and not in seamen’s slang.
They chanted lines from odes, or noshed on cheese
And olives. Pindar thought they chanted love
For beauty in the form of athlete’s arms,
And chests, and thighs while floating there above
Aegean waves. They chorused young male charms
Engaged in wrestling and in boxing while
Fists pulled the sheets. The yard held firm the sail
Because the sunburned fists steered past the isle
Of failure, on to triumph for the male.
..Pankration, meaning all force allowed,
….Is what they sang of, sweating, panting, proud.