Hermes to Apollo

“But thine it is of nature to know what things thou wilt: so to thee will I give this lyre, thou glorious son of Zeus.” – Hermes to Apollo, Homeric hymn, “Hermes”, ca 600 BC

Here’s the grain of sand for this pearl:
the echo of a future ringing,
five silver bells
ringing like rain in clear air at your door.

Traveling, leading raids, bearing messages,

I’m always finding some bright thing
like these bells. I’ve an eye for luster.
Take them. I’ve noticed they sing of gods,
and dark places, and of the beginnings of wings.

(O my sweet bells! How could you be so unfaithful?!)

Joanna Wiebe, 1984