“Some say the fairest thing on the dark earth is a host of horsemen, others a host of foot-soldiers, and others a fleet of ships, but I say it is what one loves.”
— Fragment 16, often considered one of her most complete and famous poems, discussing different views on what constitutes beauty or greatness.
“Come, divine lyre, speak to me and be a voice for me.”
— Fragment 118, an invocation to her instrument, highlighting her connection to music and poetry.
“And you, Atthis, were hateful to me, for you went to Andromeda.”
— Fragment 131, revealing a moment of jealousy or resentment towards another woman who has left her for someone else.
“I have not heard what you are saying, but a soft wind stirs the leaves.”
— Fragment 129, an evocative image of nature's subtle movements, possibly implying distraction or a deeper connection to the natural world.
“Eros shook my soul, a wind on the mountain rushing over the oaks.”
— Fragment 47, a powerful simile describing the overwhelming and disruptive force of love.
“Truly, I wish I were dead. She was leaving me and with many tears she said this: 'Oh, how dreadful our suffering, Sappho; I leave you against my will.'”
— Fragment 94, depicting a painful farewell between lovers, expressing deep sorrow and reluctance to part.
“The moon has set, and the Pleiades; it is midnight, the hour passes, and I sleep alone.”
— Fragment 168B, a poignant reflection on loneliness and the passage of time, often referred to as the 'Midnight Poem'.
“You burn me.”
— Fragment 38, a very short but intense expression of the effect of another person's presence or gaze.
“Raise high the roof-beam, O carpenters! Hymen! This bridegroom is coming, taller than Ares!”
— Fragment 111, part of a wedding song, celebrating the arrival of a tall and impressive groom.
“I have a beautiful child, Cleïs, like a golden flower, my darling.”
— Fragment 132, a tender expression of maternal love and pride for her daughter.
“And she honored me beyond all others.”
— Fragment 55, a brief but significant statement of feeling deeply valued and respected by someone.
“Someone, I say, will remember us in the future.”
— Fragment 147, a hopeful assertion of enduring fame and remembrance through her poetry.
“You came, and you did well; I yearned for you, and you cooled my soul that was burning with desire.”
— Fragment 48, expressing relief and satisfaction upon the arrival of a desired person, calming her intense longing.
“For the one whose heart is pure, no sacrifice is too great.”
— Fragment 148, a statement about the virtue and dedication of a sincere heart.
