Aphrodite in Brooklyn

Please allow me to take off my shoes,
this faux marble pose 
and this modern, pragmatic mask.
Permit me my ruin.

Please. Let us not consider this therapy
or revolution, do not ask me
to give you space.
Let us not discuss those who came before
and those who might follow.
Let us not talk of past lives.

I have fallen on hard times.
If you come to my temple, just
let me make for you an ocean.


Half seen in the darkness
your body, a mystery 
true, tangible, radiant, 
lined with the rings of your life.

You are beautiful, beautiful to be a man.

Darling, even in this era,
even now
I will not believe

that love is disposable, 
that sex is safe
that lovers are trains
rolling past each other 
to some certain station

I remember, 
I almost remember
my river source

My skin forms the word anew,
yes, 
enter me

as if you were coming home.

Lauren Raine 1999



Photo is by Thomas Lux

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