Odi et Amo: A Symposium on the Roman Poet Gaius Valerius Catullus

This symposium was held on the evening of June 12, 2025 at the Voorheesville (NY) Public Library, conducted by the esteemed Dennis Sullivan with an attentive audience of friends, colleagues, & relatives. I had studied Latin poetry at Fordham University but didn’t take the semester on Catullus (84 to 54 BC) because I wanted to concentrate on learning Greek. But I have read Catullus in various translations over the years. I’m glad I waited for Dennis’ course, I learned more this evening that I’m sure I would’ve in Prof. Peter Pouncey’s course.

Dennis had prepared a packet of over 30 pages that included the text of 8 of Catullus’ poems in Latin with Dennis’ translation, as well as commentary on the poems, including comments from other scholars. There was also a detailed “Prefatory Introduction” & an “Afterword.”

He described his process as not “translating,” but rather “transcribing” as “an eavesdropper on the therapy sessions of a young poet with his analyst,” the 113 poems as 113 therapy sessions. 

He says, “I remain stunned by the man’s insights , his breadth of knowledge — his command of Greek and Latin writers … but to me he’s a Beat poet … he’s Gregory Corso with a touch of Rimbaud but far classier than both together.”

In true symposium fashion there were lively discussions with members of the audience (class?), including on the infamous poem XVI (not included in the translations Dennis shared). He did share a comment from classics professor David Mendelsohn at Bard College, who in a recent article in The New Yorker, wondered if Catullus’ seductive power has “something to do with blow jobs.” Dennis’ comment, “Imagine: ‘blow jobs’ as a lost leader.” Look up poem XVI, or better yet, buy Dennis’ book of translations when it comes out.

Dennis said he spent 2 years on his translation of Catullus, who, he claims, made him a better poet. There are many translations, as well as scholarly commentaries, available, both historical & recent. Dennis recently assured me that his translation is on its way to the printer so be patient. I know it will be on my list.

Thanks to the Voorheesville Public Library, under the capable direction of Sarah Clark for making this event possible.