Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess from the island of Lesbos, continues to be one of the most important figures in the history of literature.
Known for her lyrical poetry that vividly showcases the emotions of love, desire, and personal reflection, Sappho’s work has surpassed centuries, although in fragmented form.
Her quotes, filled with emotion and depth, offer a peek into her soul and the societal norms of her time.
Top Sappho Quotes
Sappho, the ancient Greek poet, left a legacy through her lyrical poetry that speaks to the depth of emotions and human experiences. Her words, although fragmented over time, continue to inspire and resonate with readers across centuries.
“Someone will remember us I say even in another time.” – Sappho
“Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“For the gentle spirit loves gentleness.” – Sappho
“Like the very gods in my sight is he who sits where he can look in your eyes.” – Sappho
“I would not think to touch the sky with two arms.” – Sappho
“What cannot be said will be wept.” – Sappho
“Once again love drives me on, that loosener of limbs.” – Sappho
“Stand and face me, my love, and scatter the grace in your eyes.” – Sappho
“You may forget but let me tell you this: someone in some future time will think of us.” – Sappho
“I declare that later on, even in an age unlike our own, someone will remember who we are.” – Sappho
Also Read:Homecoming Quotes (with Commentary)
Sappho Quotes on Love and Passion
Sappho’s poetry often explores the themes of love and passion with poignant depth and lyrical beauty. Her reflections on love’s complexities have echoed through the ages, offering insights into the nature of romantic and affectionate bonds.
“You came and I was crazy for you and you cooled my mind that burned with longing.” – Sappho
“Love shook my heart like the wind on the mountain troubling the oak-trees.” – Sappho
“Eros once again limb-loosener whirls me sweetbitter, impossible to fight off, creature stealing up.” – Sappho
“There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse.” – Sappho
“Sweet mother, I cannot weave – slender Aphrodite has overcome me with longing for a girl.” – Sappho
“He seems to me equal to gods that man whoever he is who opposite you sits and listens close to your sweet speaking.” – Sappho
“For you beautiful ones my thoughts are not changeable.” – Sappho
“I simply want to be dead. Weeping she left me.” – Sappho
“But all is to be dared, because even a person of poverty.” – Sappho
“If you forget me, think of our gifts to Aphrodite and all the loveliness that we shared.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Beauty and Aesthetics
Sappho’s poetry marvelously captures the essence of beauty and aesthetics, celebrating the splendor of both the natural world and the human form. Her words continue to inspire admiration and wonder for the elegant simplicity found in beauty.
“He who is fair to look upon is good, and he who is good will soon be fair also.” – Sappho
“Gold anklebone cups, shining, being filled with wine the color of violets.” – Sappho
“Like a sweet-apple turning red, high on the tip of the topmost branch. Forgotten by pickers. Not forgotten—they couldn’t reach it.” – Sappho
“And the light-brown hair of the one, playing, flowed around her temples.” – Sappho
“You came and I was longing for you; you cooled a heart that burned with desire.” – Sappho
“May you sleep on the breast of your delicate friend.” – Sappho
“As the sweet-apple reddens on a high branch, high on the highest branch and the apple-pickers forgot—no, not forgot: were unable to reach.” – Sappho
“Violet tiaras, braided rosebuds, dill and crocus twined around.” – Sappho
“For once they are perfect, people set up a shout around them.” – Sappho
“You are the most delicate, like a sapling, reaching your arms to the sky.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Friendship and Loyalty
Sappho deeply valued the bonds of friendship and loyalty, often expressing the profound connection and affection she felt towards her companions. Her verses on these themes are heartfelt and resonate with the importance of close, supportive relationships.
“Let me speak to you of our cherished guests, like the importance of gods.” – Sappho
“You know, the wealthy with their fine clothes. I love only that which they have not got.” – Sappho
“Yes, and I will suffer nothing as great as death without glory.” – Sappho
“Sweet mother, I cannot weave—slender Aphrodite has overcome me with longing for a girl.” – Sappho
“May you sleep on the breast of your delicate friend.” – Sappho
“But be my ally still in Sardis, when you see my gifts, remember me.” – Sappho
“And their feet move nimbly as a fawn’s as she leaps over her tangled bed of flowers.” – Sappho
“I loved you, Atthis, long ago, a little child in a past life.” – Sappho
“Once again limb-loosening Love makes me tremble, the bitter-sweet, irresistible creature.” – Sappho
“Your place is set in the gods’ lovely abode, where breezes hover around.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Loss and Longing
Sappho’s poetry often touches on the poignant themes of loss and longing, expressing the deep yearning and heartache that accompany love and separation. Her eloquent words resonate across millennia, capturing the universal emotions of the human heart.
“What cannot be said will be wept.” – Sappho
“Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“But I am not someone who likes to wound rather I have a quiet mind.” – Sappho
“You came and I was longing for you; you cooled a heart that burned with desire.” – Sappho
“I simply want to be dead. Weeping she left me.” – Sappho
“May you sleep on the breast of your delicate friend.” – Sappho
“Death is an evil; we have the gods’ word for it; they too would die if death were a good thing.” – Sappho
“For you beautiful ones my thoughts are not changeable.” – Sappho
“You may forget but let me tell you this: someone in some future time will think of us.” – Sappho
“It’s no use, mother dear, I can’t finish my weaving. You may blame Aphrodite soft as she is she has almost killed me with love for that boy.” – Sappho
Philosophical Sappho Quotes
Sappho not only explored themes of love and beauty but also ventured into the realms of philosophy through her poetry. Her thoughtful insights ponder the complexities of life, existence, and the human condition.
“Someone, I tell you, will remember us, even in another time.” – Sappho
“The moon has set, and the Pleiades; it is midnight, the time is going by, and I sleep alone.” – Sappho
“Become a voice.” – Sappho
“I tell you, someone will remember us, even in the future.” – Sappho
“Although only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“He seems to me equal to gods that man whoever he is who opposite you sits and listens close to your sweet speaking.” – Sappho
“For the gentle spirit loves gentleness.” – Sappho
“One cannot weigh the beauty of some things, nor their power.” – Sappho
“All beautiful and noble qualities have been united in me… I shall make the most of my mind.” – Sappho
“For once they are perfect, people set up a shout around them.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Nature and the Seasons
Sappho’s lyrical prowess beautifully captures the essence of nature and the changing seasons, reflecting her deep connection with the world around her. Her poetry seamlessly blends human emotions with the rhythms of the natural world.
“The moon has set and the Pleiades; middle night, the hour goes by, alone I lie.” – Sappho
“And the tender apple-blossoms, and the long flowering branches.” – Sappho
“The moon and the Pleiades have set, half the night is gone; time passes.” – Sappho
“Now the earth is only dill-scented, and the wind-blowing, the wind-blown.” – Sappho
“Golden chickpeas were growing on the shores.” – Sappho
“Like the hyacinth in the mountains that the shepherds trample underfoot, and the purple flower blooms.” – Sappho
“Cool water murmurs through apple branches… and roses leave shadow on the ground.” – Sappho
“As the leaves on the trees, such is the race of men.” – Sappho
“Apple branches, the rustling leaves murmured around.” – Sappho
“The season is changing, and so are my desires, which flow like a river.” – Sappho
Inspirational Sappho Quotes
Sappho is not only a poet of love and beauty but also a source of inspiration. Her work, laden with passion and intensity, encourages resilience and the pursuit of one’s desires against all odds.
“Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“Become a voice.” – Sappho
“You may forget but let me tell you this: someone in some future time will think of us.” – Sappho
“I tell you, someone will remember us, even in another time.” – Sappho
“For once they are perfect, people set up a shout around them.” – Sappho
“The gentle spirit loves gentleness.” – Sappho
“Do not bring sorrow into my heart as long as you live.” – Sappho
“Stand and face me, my love; unveil the soft look in your eyes.” – Sappho
“One cannot weigh the beauty of some things, nor their power.” – Sappho
“What cannot be said will be wept.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Femininity and Womanhood
Sappho’s poetry often explores themes of femininity and womanhood, providing a voice to the intimate experiences and emotions of women in a predominantly male-centric ancient world. Her work remains a testament to the strength and complexity of women’s lives.
“Once again limb-loosening Love makes me tremble, the bitter-sweet, irresistible creature.” – Sappho
“To me, it seems that you are the mirror of the soft and delicate form of a blessed goddess.” – Sappho
“I loved you, Atthis, once long ago: a little child you seemed, so far back in my past.” – Sappho
“May you sleep on the breast of your delicate friend.” – Sappho
“Yes, and I will suffer nothing as great as death without glory.” – Sappho
“But all is to be dared, because even a person of poverty.” – Sappho
“And their feet move as quickly as fawns skipped over the green clover.” – Sappho
“I would not think to touch the sky with two arms.” – Sappho
“And you yourself, once, above all others, O the biting pain and the sweetly smiling desire.” – Sappho
“Sweet mother, I cannot weave – slender Aphrodite has overcome me with longing for a girl.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Art and Creativity
Sappho is not only celebrated for her lyrical talents but also for her philosophical musings on art and creativity. Her work provides a glimpse into the creative process and the art of poetry, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between life and artistic expression.
“Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“For the gentle spirit loves gentleness.” – Sappho
“Become a voice.” – Sappho
“Like the sweet apple which reddens upon the topmost bough, atop on the topmost twig—which the pluckers forgot, somehow—forgot it not, nay but got it not, for none could get it till now.” – Sappho
“I declare that later on, even in an age unlike our own, someone will remember who we are.” – Sappho
“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” – Sappho
“The Muses have filled me with wonder and I sing the glories.” – Sappho
“Someone will remember us, I say, even in another time.” – Sappho
“Let me speak to you of our cherished guests, like the importance of gods.” – Sappho
“What cannot be said will be wept.” – Sappho
Sappho Quotes on Celebration and Joy
Sappho’s poetry often resonates with themes of celebration and joy, capturing the exuberance of life’s festive moments. Her lyrical expressions celebrate the beauty of existence and the pleasures found in the company of loved ones.
“You came and I was longing for you; you cooled a heart that burned with desire.” – Sappho
“Although only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“Let us weave crowns, no longer so quiet.” – Sappho
“Stand by my side and gird yourself in the glittering gold of our dances.” – Sappho
“To me, the sight of you is like the tender sapling, grown in the orchard’s beauty.” – Sappho
“The moon has set, and the Pleiades; it is midnight, the hour goes by, alone I lie.” – Sappho
“I will weave garlands of myrrh for you.” – Sappho
“The night is long, and I sing and I love.” – Sappho
“Come, goddess of Cyprus, and in golden cups serve nectar delicately mixed with festivities.” – Sappho
“In the crocus-colored dresses, girls, in the dances, your feet churn the ground.” – Sappho
Iconic Sappho Quotes
Sappho’s words have stood the test of time, becoming iconic in the realm of poetic expression. Her quotes about love, beauty, and passion continue to inspire and move people across generations and cultures.
“Someone will remember us I say even in another time.” – Sappho
“For the gentle spirit loves gentleness.” – Sappho
“Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal.” – Sappho
“You may forget but let me tell you this: someone in some future time will think of us.” – Sappho
“Like the sweet apple which reddens upon the topmost bough, atop on the topmost twig.” – Sappho
“Eros shook my mind like a mountain wind falling on oak trees.” – Sappho
“What cannot be said will be wept.” – Sappho
“I declare that later on, even in an age unlike our own, someone will remember who we are.” – Sappho
“Stand and face me, my love; unleash the soft loveliness in your eyes.” – Sappho
“The moon and the Pleiades have set, half the night is gone; time passes.” – Sappho
Also Read: Heartstopper Quotes (with Commentary)
Final Thoughts
The quotes of Sappho, though remaining only in pieces, will resonate deeply with you for their lyrical beauty and emotional honesty.
They paint a picture of ancient life via the lens of personal feeling and social interaction, which offers insights into the intricacies of love, the beauty of nature, and the depths of human emotion.
Sappho’s ability to express universal themes with such elegance and intensity makes her work ageless, closing the gap between the ancient and contemporary worlds.