TO A YOUNG GIRL  (free translation of Sappho’s Greek) He seems like one of the gods – that man you are facing: who so closely attends to the fragrance within words; to the light within your laughter…. It is that which confounds me: each time I glance at you – I am without sound. My tongue is locked; and at once, a fine fire glistens beneath my skin.  I turn blind; there is a whirring in my ear. I am awash with love – unable to be still…. I am drawn towards my dying. Copyright © JENNY JOHNSON