Sherry Chandler

En-hedu-anna

According to Wikipedia, En-hedu-anna (circa 2300 B.C.E.)

was an Akkadian princess as well as high priestess of the moon god Nanna (Sin) in Ur. …Enheduanna is known to us as the author of several Sumerian hymns. She is generally considered the earliest author known by name

I found this translation of one of her works in the anthology Women on War (Feminist Press, 2003). Daniela Gioseffi edited the anthology and adapted the translation.

Lament to the Spirit of War

You hack everything down in battle . . .
God of War, with your fierce wings
you slice away the land and charge
disguised as a raging storm,
growl as a roaring hurricane,
yell like a tempest yells,
thunder, rage, roar, and drum,
expel evil winds!
Your feet are filled with anxiety!
On your lyre of moans
I hear your loud dirge scream.

Like a fiery monster you fill the land with poison.
As thunder you growl over the earth,
trees and bushes collapse before you.
You are blood rushing down a mountain,
Spirit of hate, greed and anger,
dominator of heaven and earth!
Your fire wafts over our land,
riding on a beast,
with indomitable commands,
you decide all fate.
You triumph over all our rites.
Who can explain why you go on so?

Possibly related posts:

O’Hara’s other famous elegy

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Hooray for Anna!

Anna Hampstead Branch

For Lillian

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