yesterday i met antigone
in a narrow alley
when i wasn't expecting to.
all of a sudden she stood in front of me
like an old acquaintance
who had left many years ago.
times change.
do you as well, antigone?
no, you have remained the same.
kreon has another name today,
he has indeed changed a little.
he doesn't lock up people in caves anymore,
there are better ways of punishment.
only you remain the same.
you still mourn your brother
who would have deserved so much more,
although you are not allowed to.
he still lies there, untouched,
covered by dust and tears.
the old things have passed, antigone.
but you haven't.
you are still there.
and you still don't obey.
you have grown old, antigone.
but you are still there.
last time i saw you,
you were hiding three children in your attic.
you never mentioned their names,
but maybe they were called rahel, david and hannah.
you hid them from him.
they caught you.
this time: labour camp instead of dungeon.
and today, no one wants to see you either.
you fit into this side street quite well,
there you can't bother anyone.
it would be fatal
if you troubled anyone with your altruism.
eventually, a time will come
when we will be walking down the streets, without fear.
and then everyone will know
that you are still there
that it is not too late
to change the world
by staying true to your conscience.
soon, antigone.
Author notes
English translation of http://allpoetry.com/poem/4762275
Comments
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it bores me.
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Im sorry
But this poem to my bores me. -
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oh sorry, didn't look at your age... we read a play called "Antigone" in class, I'm 17, and even in my class there were many students from whom it probably didn't make any sense at all, lol.
d'ya mind me entering another poem into your contest?
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Oh my goodness.
I love Antigone and this just made my day. I love this poem.
Bookmark.
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what an amazing poet you are!!!! thank you for entering!
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Bandits United!!!
The imagery and emotion is jam packed and jumps out at the reader, it is very well done.
Sorry for the late bandit comment, but wanted to come by late or not!
Shari
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Bandits United!
Nice! the no caps thing works here in this dark piece of free verse. For the life of me, I can't remember who Antigone was (a historical figure?). Kreon, also intrigues me.
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a well written piece.
thank you
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BaNdiTS UniTEd
Really admire what you did here, Little Ann. I am glad for your education and talent that has led to your really impressive accomplishments.
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Bandits United!
Wow.
Wow.
I am speechless with the imagery and emotions packed into this; a masterful poem!
♥
Apologies on the late Spotlight!
Stay safe
~Manda
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BANDITS UNITED!
The voice of conscience speaks to Antigone...How cleverly penned, and so deserving of a trophy here...Thought provoking conversation over time with events that scarred history of mans inhumanity to man...So worthy of praise...Bravo for this write!
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Bandits United
I enjoyed the journey this poem took me on and I found the repetition strangely unsettling. I really liked the hope that was brought by the ending. Truly wonderful
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BANDITS UNITED!
Wow, I really like this poem alot. You have taken a character from history and brought it into the modern age, with a good story and meaning behind it.
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BANDITS UNITED!!
Ann,
This is a great poem with historical literary allusion and social commentary combined. A winning combination to make the point that the societal disregard of being true to ones concience opens a Pandoras' box that is not easily closed. Thank you for the translation of your original poem written in German, you are a most talented poet to be able to write effectively in multiple languages. Write on dear Poet!
You have been Spotlighted by your Bandit Family today because WE CARE!
Brother Dennis
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Bandits United!
This is an intriguing poem that made me think back to studying Greek Literature at university. I think there is a lot of truth in what you say and we should all remain true to our consciences. A fascinating poem. Best of luck in the contest.
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Bandits United!
This is a great poem
I really like the message of history's mistakes - well done!
Polly
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Banditen Vereignet
Ein sehr schoenes poemchen,traurich aber trotz dem
ganz interesant es lohnt sich besser auf Deutsch
zu lesen doch in beiden sprachen ausgezeignet sogar
.......George..... -
Bandits United
The subject fascinates , I think you covered it well
and with a nice form and flow
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Bandits United.
I must admit I had to do some reasearch. Truely understood this poem is beautiful. It not only depicts antigone and her strenght in doing what she knew was right for her brother, it also depicts todays morals as those of keon. Best we look to ourselves before we suffer his fate as well. Well done dear poet. Excellent job!
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BANDITS UNITED OH YEAH!
A winner in my mind! Wonderfully penned, good poet. A fine work here that not many poets could accomplish. You are a fine linguist. 
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BANDITS UNITED
Great wrote to be reminded what the past at times makes us change our ways.
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Thanks for entering. I liked it. Just not a winner.
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I know all about the 'history repeating itself' phemomena and I also know how it is to get that making mistake again/ deja vu scenario.
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absolutely beautiful
i love you littleann :] -
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thank you
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This is beautiful and thank you so much for redoing it for me I don't mean to be a pain. lol. But honestly I'm really glad you took the time to redo this, it simply made you a front runner in my contest with just the simple change. Good luck.
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