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THE SPHINX AT SEA

Seen from a distance. your bare
shoulders under the lamplight
nocturnal. moon-dusted mountains
of snow. sequestered. in eternity
behind your eyes. the wind blows
over the sea. stirring the surface
of the water. as you board your
gold seraphic boat. with thoughts
beginning and beginning again

recumbent. rock-carved. reading
pages of Greek philosophy
the small pine island of the gods
appears. a raw and brilliant
emerald in its matrix

so crowned. the sea takes you away
in her blue-gloved arms she takes you
far from the keening choruses
on the beach. beating time
on harps and drums. while the rain
drives in their faces