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Helike

by Miguel Heatwole

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about

In 2003 I watched a fascinating documentary on the archaeolgical discovery of the city of Helike. An earthquake and tsunami in 373 BCE caused it to be buried under silt for 23 centuries. It inspired me to write a poem in which the subject speaks of an unspecified personal collapse and hoped-for redemption in a sustained archaeological similie.

I set it to music in 2011, recorded the cello part with my friend Rita Woolhouse seven years later, and finally added my voice in 2022.

lyrics

Like ancient Helike below the Korinthian plain
Where centuries of sediment submerge her broken fane
A shell of what was vital clogs with tiny grains
Each moment is now muddied, polluted and profane
These temples too have faded. Decaying age has stained
The bright philosophy and artistry they once contained

Civil ruin - wrought by subterranean fault
Unheralded by nature that terrifying night
When all foundation fell and angry waves of salt
Drowned brittle monuments of piety from sight
Stilled the age-long pageantry that proudly did exalt
High deeds of honour which will not again be brought to light

That collapse scant mortal witness could report
Its rippling shock obliquely struck the listening bank
The audience, whose play is in creative thought
Inscribing mythic images where history's scroll is blank
And since bleak truth falls flat where drama's heights are sought
In common reputation with Atlantis I sank

Yet Helike was found! Her rediscovery
A trophy o’er the swirl of legend's misty sea
Grounded in the clay yet lit with clarity
A conquest by the sapient of sullen mystery
So might I celebrate a similar victory
When wisdom has the will to wash this soil away from me?

credits

released January 23, 2022
Written & sung by Miguel Heatwole
Cello by Rita Woolhouse

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Miguel Heatwole Sydney, Australia

Miguel’s a versatile singer, choral director & composer. His interests include folk & world music, political satire, the environment, trade unionism & the responsible enjoyment of alcohol. His songwriting embraces themes like peace & justice, the family cat, & visceral passionate attraction. His enthusiasm for recording community singing has let many people share the power of their songs. ... more

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