Cleopatra

In ancient Egypt's desert lands
beside the Nile and curling sands
Queen Cleopatra lay adorned
in golden folds and chambers vast
as beautiful as any dawn
or any sunset past.

A stillness of the fingers mark,
and skin so soft and young and dark.
The dieties of jet flesh gaze
to east with amber tears ablaze.
A zephyr speaks and gifts a touch
upon a silken sash of pink.
A crescent slither in the scene.
An arc of fingers now serene.

Now grains upon the marble play
and dance toward the Nile away.
Where once a girl was once in love,
and living eyes and giant hands
of iron gods would span above
all ancient Egypt's desert lands.

© Mark Sheeky. Permission is required for reproduction.