Ceasefire

by Michael Longley

Put in mind of his own father and moved to tears

Achilles took him by the hand and pushed the old king

Gently away, but Priam curled up at his feet and

Wept with him until their sadness filled the building.

Taking Hector's corpse into his own hands Achilles

Made sure it was washed and, for the old king's sake,

Laid out in uniform, ready for Priam to carry

Wrapped like a present home to Troy at daybreak.

When they had eaten together, it pleased them both

To stare at each other's beauty as lovers might,

Achilles built like a god, Priam good-looking still

And full of conversation, who earlier had sighed:

'I get down on my knees and do what must be done

And kiss Achilles' hand, the killer of my son.'

Longley's poem is Patrick Corrigan's pick for National Poetry Day. (Read more about Longley's poem here.) It's a wonderful poem which matures with every new reading. Patrick, the Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International, chose the poem because it calls attention to the importance of human rights (and much more too).

I am now receiving your suggestions for a poem exploring religion: it could be devotional, or sceptical, celebratory or philosophical. You could even write an original poem. I'll post my own choice by the end of the day.