TROJANS
Our efforts are like those of the unfortunate;
like the efforts of the Trojans.
We succeed a bit; we regain
our confidence; and we start feeling
brave and having high hopes.
But always something comes up and stops us.
Achilles appears in front of us in the trench
and with loud shouts frightens us back.—
Our efforts are like those of the Trojans.
We think that with resolution and boldness
we can reverse the downhill course of fate,
and we stand outside ready to fight.
But when the great crisis comes,
our boldness and resolution vanish;
our soul is shaken, paralyzed;
and we run around the walls
trying to save ourselves by running away.
And yet our fall is certain. High up,
on the walls, the dirge has already started
mourning memories and auras of our days.
Priam and Hecuba weep bitterly for us.
Manolis Aligizakis 