Encomium to Ελένη

Athena, Patron Goddess of Athens
Grey-Eyed, Goddess of War and Wisdom
When did you hear my plea? 
And send dark haired Helena
Across land and Sea
To bring her close to me

The daughter of Greece caught my eye in the university cafe bar. My eyes were immediately drawn to her, and beside her I went to sit. She sat there, head down in a book, her long black hair falling forwards. In order to attract her attention, I noisily placed my cup on the table. She looked up with a start.

I smiled and said, “Hello, I’m Melissa.” She looked surprised, but returned my smile.

“Hello, I’m Helena. How do you do?“ 

My heart fluttered as I looked into her dark eyes.

“I do just fine,” I replied. 

She spoke English very well; her Greek accent made it more like music to me. Her olive skin had a silken sheen, one I was keen to taste, but not with undue haste. Her breasts pushed firmly against her pale blue blouse. The buttons looked strained as her breasts were obviously quite full and wholesome. She stroked her long hair back behind her ears, where she wore golden hooped earrings, of an ancient design.

She leaned back and studied me like one of her Classics books. “It’s pleasant to meet you,” she said by way of reply. I cannot lie, my thoughts began to percolate. I was already thinking of her as a prospective lover.

“Likewise.” We shook hands.

Always the same for me. The rediscovery of the blood heat of another girl. I reined in my urge to suck her fingers. After an amount of university chat, life chat, and this-and-that chat, we made an arrangement to meet for coffee off campus.

I met her on a Friday afternoon. It didn’t take me long to realize that I’d already fallen for her. I was in no hurry to push things along though. Be patient. Patience, Melissa. Only don’t let her get away. Please don’t let her get away.

As term was coming to an end, I knew she would be returning to Athens soon. Without me asking, she gave me her home address and insisted I write letters to her. Well, what else could I do? I said, “Of course, how could I not?"

She kissed me tenderly on the cheek and then allowed her full, ripe lips to brush mine. "Can you wait until September?"

I told her, "Of course. I can wait, although it will be difficult, but I will write often."

She smiled, and told me she was leaving on Sunday and would think of me often, especially before sleeping. 

“September will soon come around,” she said, with a hint of a promise that it will be more than just friendship.

“Yes, I know,” I replied, and I kissed her lips with more urgency.

“I must go now, Melissa, before I cry a little.”

I told her I understood. Parting after such a first, brief flirtation with Helena tore at the heartstrings. I watched her rise elegantly and walk towards the cafe door. She hesitated, turned her head and blew a kiss, and with that, she disappeared into the street. 

That same night, before I went to bed, before my small home altar, I called out a supplication to demure and lovely Aphrodite.

"Hail, Goddess, You sweetly winning one, you with the fluttering eyes.
I sing of Cythera, Cyprus born, who grants all tender gifts to us.
Goddess who makes the flowers dance, give Victory to me.
Grant to me the love of dark-eyed Helena, for I remember you in yet another song."

Melissa Helene Kara 
May 2019