Homer is a mystery. The Greek epic poet credited with the enduring epic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey is an enigma insofar as actual facts of his life go. Some scholars believe him to be one man; others think these iconic stories were created by a group. A variation on the group idea stems from the fact that storytelling was an oral tradition and Homer compiled the stories, recited them to memory. 

Homer’s style, whoever he was, falls more in the category of minstrel poet or balladeer, as opposed to a cultivated poet who is the product of a fervent literary moment, such as a Virgil or a Shakespeare. The stories have repetitive elements, almost like a chorus or refrain, which suggests a musical element. However, Homer’s works are designated as epic rather than lyric poetry, which was originally recited with lyre in hand, much in the same vein as spoken-word performances 

I want you to listen to me without judging me. 

I want you to give your opinion without giving me advice.      

I want you to trust me without expecting anything. 

I want you to help me without deciding for me. 

I want you to care for me without smothering me. 

I want you to see me without seeing yourself in me. 

I want you to hug me without suffocating me. 

I want you to encourage me without pressuring me. 

I want you to hold me without holding me down. 

I want you to protect me without lying. 

I want you to come closer without intruding. 

I want you to know everything that displeases you about me. 

That you accept this and do not try to change it. 

I want you to know that you can count on me today.

Unconditionally." 

By Patricia de Castro