Poetry Salzburg Review kindly published this poem of mine in their Summer 2019 issue. It is one of two I have written about Europe, the companion poem having been published by Magma in their Europe edition of 2018.
Serenade for Europe
Dusk
with his inky fingers has touched
the little bay where Aphrodite appeared,
so soft and rosy-pink, among the rocks.
He brushes the Dardanelles, the Danube,
and reaching north draws a blanket
slowly over forests where the wild boar run.
He brings a hush to the lands of the longship
then turns for the turbulent isles
and so to the twin ends of the earth.
Under his spell the shutters of vineyard châteaux
are closing, starlings thickening the air.
He darkens mountain and plain
coming at last to the mouth of the Tagus
where caravels, of heart-stopping fragility,
sailed for the Indies, east and west.
And Europa sleeps. Or so it would seem:
one eye open and dreaming fitfully
our home, our continent,
sleeps.
© John Looker 2019
‘Dusk with his inky fingers’ is an allusion to the recurrent mention of ‘Dawn with her rosy fingers’ in Homer’s Odyssey. The first of the two photos shows the little bay in Cyprus where, it is presumed, Aphrodite appeared. The second shows the mouth of the River Tagus just outside Lisbon in Portugal.
The companion poem, The Descent of Europe, published by Magma can be read here at: https://wordpress.com/post/johnlooker.wordpress.com/3268
Poetry from John Looker 
I’m not sure that Poetry Salzburg Review ever publish anything out of ‘kindness’ :). You are far too modest. They published this poem because it is outstanding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Bennison Books on 29 September, 2019
at 09:31
Well, you are certainly very kind, Bennison Books! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: John Looker on 29 September, 2019
at 10:29
Simply brilliant, in the Homeric sense: bright, clear, ‘objective’ while engaging with honesty and passion the ultimate subjectivity of cultural collapse. Bravo, John!
LikeLike
By: Tom D'Evelyn on 29 September, 2019
at 17:36
That’s very kind of you Tom – and I appreciate your careful reading, as always. Best wishes to you, John
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 29 September, 2019
at 22:38
i agree, it is a brilliant poem and interesting rather unique theme
LikeLike
By: Jane Stansfeld on 29 September, 2019
at 19:53
Many thanks Jane. I’m glad it spoke to you too. J
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 29 September, 2019
at 22:41
You are a brilliant poet, John. This poem takes some work to follow all of the allusions to Greek mythology into full meaning. The poem almost seems suggest that Europe may be in dusk, sleeping fitfully. The images are just outstanding.
LikeLike
By: Thomas Davis on 29 September, 2019
at 22:02
Hi Tom, and thank you. This poem is not so easy for North Americans I think, but Europe is my home, my continent, and I know all the places mentioned. I am delighted if these lines convey something to you of all that I felt in writing them. All the best, John
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 29 September, 2019
at 22:47
What a wonderful poem and so right at this time. I love the classical allusions.
LikeLike
By: The Cheesesellers Wife on 30 September, 2019
at 10:17
How nice of you! And I’m glad you feel it is in sync with these turbulent times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: John Looker on 30 September, 2019
at 16:09
I could see in my mind’s eye your poetic journey, thanks for the voyage. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
LikeLike
By: Anonymous on 30 September, 2019
at 12:34
Thank you for commenting – it is so rewarding to hear from you!
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 30 September, 2019
at 16:10
Such fantastic imagery. Especially in that first paragraph. And I love the allusions too.
LikeLike
By: Nitin on 3 October, 2019
at 22:28
Thank you Nitin – I really appreciate your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: John Looker on 4 October, 2019
at 08:39
This is simply wonderful, John; elegant, elegaic and, in the context you and I both know so well, almost unbearably poignant. And I sense the note of defiance in the penultimate line ‘Our home, our continent’. It ain’t over yet. N.
LikeLike
By: gonecyclingagain on 23 October, 2019
at 09:43
Many thanks Nick, that’s most kind and yes there is that note of defiance I would say.
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 23 October, 2019
at 09:54
I love that vision of those caravels at the mouth of the Tagus. Europe – our home, our continent – indeed.
LikeLike
By: hilarycustancegreen on 27 October, 2019
at 18:48
Thank you Hilary, I’m glad the poem speaks to you. My wife and I have watched the ships and boats at the mouth of the Tagus and it is easy to conjure up those caravels.
LikeLike
By: John Looker on 28 October, 2019
at 10:22