APHRODITE ON A GOOSE




-interior of a white ground cup C470 BC

Mother Goose, Mother Goose


tell me a story.

There was once a Golden Goose
that laid golden eggs which
Simpleton broke.

Why does Aphrodite ride on a goose?

Lady, Lady where do you fly?
Virgin dressed
love in your breast.

The Goosegirl followed the Gander
upstairs, downstairs and in
my Lady's chamber.

Leda made love with a swan.


Wryneck, wryneck


Almighty Zeus,


Why does Aphrodite ride on a goose?

"Because it's the downiest way to fly"

FOR THE RIVER GODDESS

A Festival of Flowers

We light the candle and float the flower boat.
I send a wish for a friend.

Afterwards I walk in the swaying crowd
tread the tough grass through the bazaar
where stalls and sideshows invite us to
flip a coin or taste strips of braziered meats.

I throw a coin into a bottle cap,
all around are dark eyed girls with
singsong voices wearing pretty
bijou clips in their hair.
& the sloe-eyed boys have smiles
that sparkle like the exploding fireworks.

---

Return to CONTENTS