Christopher Logue

Cold Calls: War Music, Continued

Many believe in the stars.  


Take Quinamid  
The son of a Dardanian astrologer  
Who disregarded what his father said  
And came to Troy in a taxi.  

Gone.  



Odysseus to Greece:  

“Hector has never fought this far from Troy.  
We want him further out. Beyond King Ilus’ tower.  
So walk him to the centre of the plain and, having killed him,  
Massacre the Trojans there.”  

“Ave!”  



Immediately beyond the ridge is Primrose Hill  
Where Paris favoured Aphrodité.  

“Take it,” said Hector.  

Greece shouted: “Hurry up!”  
Troy shouted: “Wait for us!”