In Theognis’ poem, the narrator is professing his jealousy over the fact that his lover has just now returned to him after once again being unfaithful with another. The confidence behind his words and his confidence that he is the one the boy truly wants stands out most in this short poem. In fact, this overzealous confidence is exactly what reminded me of the song “He’ll Never Love You Like I Do” by Hayley Kiyoko. In this song, Hayley is also lamenting the fact that her lover has also left her for another however she is still confident that she will return to her. Theognis’ confidence can be seen in how he addresses himself as a “good rider” with a “fine meadow” for the horse to return to. This is similar to how Hayley is confident that her lover still wants her by saying “I know everyday you’re thinking of me”. Both narrators’ ego in the fact that they are the one for their lover and the overarching theme of the songs is what truly makes them relatable.
The main difference between the two works is that while Theognis’ lover has returned to him, Hayley’s lover has not. Therefore, Theognis is right in being confident about being the one for his lover, since technically speaking his lover has returned to him even after being with another. In comparison, Hayley’s lover is still with someone else, and it is unknown as to whether or not she will return.
Theognis 1249-1252
Bing and Cohen
Boy, you’re like a horse. Just now sated with seed,
you’ve come back to my stable,
yearning for a good rider, fine meadow,
an icy spring, shady groves.