EGYPTIAN STATUETTE
(for Jennifer)
The swimming child is as slim
As the stem of a daisy.
Who carved her eased the knife
In a sharp caress
That shaped her slender thighs
And outstretched arms,
Prenubile breasts and tiny
Waist. Her hair
Is gathered at the side –
A young girl’s style.
Her toes are dancer’s points.
She may have held
A fish between her hands.
The golden foil
Of bracelets and broad collar
Have left their marks.
She was not a commoner.
I want to buy
Her replica and give her
To my granddaughter,
Who only last week swam
To me as straight,
As juvenile
And as ephemeral.
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