Ravenesque

I dreamt a golden snake

Unravelled like an ancient scroll along your arm

Scales of parchment or papyrus Riding the swirling light as

They fell slowly to the slate islands Of the cold floor Where I lay barely awake Looking up into a face framed by

The black corona of your hair so Ravenesque & flaked by coins of golden Documents all of which no doubt Held the meaning of your distant gaze

Your eyelids themselves slowly closing At last when after a time The robe of reeds you wore draped Across your shoulders parted

As your arms parted & the snake lifted its head of beaten gold Your bare breasts slowly lifting Toward the sudden light of the heavens Which was the unbroken surrender of God

Copyright World Poetry, Incorporated Mar/Apr 1999
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