Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

Andromache’s elogy

Andromache.

I screamed when I saw you
            battered, bludgeoned, body dragged
                         behind the wheels of a chariot.
Betrayed as I saw it,
            by the gods who had heard my pleas
                         and determined them unworthy.
Your kindness was radiance,
            to the people – their future king,
                         to me – my eternity.
Father. Lover. Prince. Hector.
            Your trusted smile, your famous laugh,
                         echo through the eons. Gone
But they will regret –
            as I will – languishing with the living
                         in a world where you are not.
When I make the crossing,
            Charon’s condolence will be a homecoming.
                         Back to your eternal smile.

 

Eleanor Kirby grew up in a cozy town just outside Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Her love of poetry and storytelling led to her pursuit of Classical Literature and Civilisations, and eventually a career in teaching. She focuses on the retelling of stories about women who’s voices have otherwise been silenced throughout history, and is working on her debut collection of poems.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of Poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.