Sappho — The Sacrifice

Upon a cushion soft         My limbs I place, My every garment doffed         For deeper grace; From burning doves embalmed         In baccharis, The scented fumes have calmed         Me like a kiss. Beyond the phallic shrine         That tripods light, I pledge with holy wine         An image white; Anadyomene,         Than foam more fair, When from the ravished sea         She rose to air. Daughter of God, accept         These gifts of mine! Last night my body slept         In arms divine. These sated lips and eyes         That erstwhile sued, Accord this sacrifice         In gratitude.