To Antinous-Dionysus, Navigator

As you guided Theseus into the labyrinth and out

by the hand of Ariadne, guide me, Antinous Dionysus.

As you guided Ariadne to Naxos by the will

of Theseus, guide me also, Antinous Dionysus.

As you guided Ariadne into Olympus

and placed her crown in the north as proof,

so guide me, Antinous Dionysus.

As you went safely into Persephone’s realm

and guided out your mother, Semele,

so guide me, Antinous Dionysus.

Guide me out of the labyrinths in which I lose myself.

Guide me out of the underworlds in which I forget myself.

Guide me into the heavens I can barely imagine for myself.

May I also be your mother and your bride, a goddess

whose crown shines beyond the north wind, O Antinous Dionysus.