Episode 08: The Old Men of Kea

The Old Men of Kea is a poem divided in five parts. It is inspired by Bacchilides’ hymns dedicated to victorious athletes in ancient Greece. Part 4 and 5 are actually free translations from Bacchilides’ hymns. This poem is set on the island of Kea, where two former athletes, Lachon and Panthis, reminisce about their glorious youth, and contemplate death after a life well spent.

In this episode, Elena Borelli discusses The Old Men of Kea with James Ackhurst. The five parts of the poems are inserted in the conversation. The first starts at minute 7.43; the second starts at minute 19.54; the third starts at minute 24.47; the fourth at minute 33.12, and the fifth and last at minute 35.58.

From Giovanni Pascoli, Convivial Poems. Translated by Elena Borelli & James Ackhurst. New York: Italica Press, 2022. Copyright 2022 by Elena Borelli & James Ackhurst. Used by permission of Italica Press.