Catullus 51

Catullus' keeping the meter from the Sappho original doesn't seem unusual. Each of the previous poems we have read has shown us Catullus working hard to show off his skills, without looking like he is working at it. Keeping this element from the original makes it clear what precedent he is following, since it is quite different from others, and gives him a chance to play within a new meter.
I though it was telling that Catullus changed the line in stanza 2 from the heart fluttering away (Sappho) to all the senses being ripped away (Catullus). Combined with the very different conclusion to the poem I think this indicates a rather different focus for each poet.
The Sappho poem tells the effects that are felt as a result of attraction or love between people, yet still ends with "But it is all to dared...". In Sappho's poems there is an idea that love is worth the pains it might cause, and remains worth pursuing.
Catullus leaves out the bit about feeling nearly dead, finishing his instead with a moralizing sort of sentiment about how bad it is to have the leisure to feel this kind of love. Catullus seems focused on the detrimental effects of love, and though he writes about these ideas he seems more focused on the negative aspects. For Catullus it seems like love is not worth the ruining of his senses, especially those which enable him to write and communicate skillfully. I think that his true love is not Lesbia, but his ability to write poetry and so being unable to do this because of another love is unacceptable.

Also...this, because it's awesomesauce!