there were those who wanted you
because they were thirsty.
because each pore on your poor body
oozed with a flavor that made their unpalatable and ignorant
tongues ache
with a longing not unlike that of Odysseus
with his wrists bounds behind him on the mighty ship Argos
as it teetered on the waves beside the siren’s isles.
there were those who wanted you
because they were hungry.
because they imagined that the flesh of your arms and legs
and hidden places were a five course meal, with a Michelin
star stapled to the forehead of the chief and meats and pies
and desserts plentiful on every pungent plate
with serving girls to wait
just like they were in the Arabic Nights,
playing not only the role of sultan, but of
Allah
because everything was
made all for them.
there are those that wanted you because they were lonely
because each movement of your window eyes made their
weakened hearts tremble with the promise
of a home
with a fiery hearth and your fiery heart supporting three
freshly knit stockings
and walls lit up by ceiling lights and christmas lights and
your bright smile
because you were the light that God said there shall be
and they worshipped at the feet
of the idea of you.
you are a woman.
without imagery or alliteration.
but you are not a cool drink to be taken hastily and without
appreciation.you are not a gluttonous meal to be lusted over.
and you are not a promise,
a light,
or an idea.
you are a woman.
without cause or alteration.
you are a woman.
simply.
