Were you once Astarte – fertile goddess of the east?
I see her when I look at you – full breasts and rounded belly,
pregnant with desire, fecund with creativity,
lush promise of earthy fullness granted
one who offers self as sacrifice upon an altar
of some primordial, elemental need.
Life-giving libation you pour in goddess’ gift
to make of coupling more than simple fruitfulness,
of body, soul and mind, a bountiful harvest,
heart’s empty storehouse now full supplied.
Or were you Aphrodite once – love goddess of the Greeks?
I see her when I look at you – grace and glory undefiled,
ethereal beauty of form and face,
perhaps transcending mortal touch,
and yet you mothered Eros, passion’s first-born son,
from the fragrant garden of your loins.
Matchless temptress, loved by gods,
you deign to offer earthly lover
a touch of heaven through corporal gates,
abundant promise multiplied.
Were you Allori’s Venus once – an artist’s muse divine?
I see her when I look at you – or reclined upon a velvet couch
an Ingres odalisque, pillowed thighs and
swell of hip, invitation in your eyes
through lashes dipped in shy disguise,
plush beauty offers pleasure’s gift.
Enduring idols of ardor’s deepening delight
evoke savored scents of spiced perfume,
hints of silken bed and sultry bath
where all desire is satisfied.
Were you once these glories all – reborn now in this time?
I see them when I look at you – these intimates of Love
whom none surpassed in beauty or rivaled in appeal,
whose spirits touch all lovers still
and unsaid longings yet inspire.
Allure of Renaissance or pull of ancient myth,
in you, they are incarnate now
these goddesses and icons
of love’s sweet immortal gifts,
true passion’s promise gratified.
© Lianne Schneider February 2008
JoanIreland1970
OMG!!!! Lianne, this is my favorite poem of yours thus far. You sure do have a way with words. You never cease to amaze me!!
lianne replied
I think it’s a favorite of mine as well – thank you for following my work and caring enough to comment. It means a great deal to me.
saleire
evoke savored scents of spiced perfume (stunned)- do you know what…...I am thinking you may well be some wonderful poet of the past reincarnated….and if not….then I pray I meet you in every lifetime….because if you are a young soul…...god help us, I think I will die with pleasure in your next life time. This is a masterpiece Lianne….truly Lianne…..don’t you know how fantastic your words are…..are you published yet? And if not….why not?? Your work is supreme….perfection personified. My God girl…....get published!!!! And don’t stop till you do….I will be first to buy your wonderful book.
lianne replied
Sal – you are just far too generous in your praise but I can’t tell you how much it means. No, not published – not a great market for poetry – lol. But thank you so very much Sal – I’ll give it a shot.
vertigodog78
This is overwhelmingly beautiful. I have no words to do justice to how I felt reading it.
lianne replied
I’m very touched, vertigo – thank you so very much. Your comment means a great deal to me.
raymondoantonio
BELLISSIMO!!!! XO
lianne replied
Quite an early piece but one I’m rather pleased with so I thank you for rediscovering it. I think I’ve grown some as a poet since then – at least I hope I have – but this will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you so much!