Ian Anderson
Shoshana Sleeping
[Song Of Solomon]
Sleep: the time's not yet;
Early birds soon crowing
Wake when dawn declares
Woman risen from childish airs
I watch, across the room;
Dancing shadow, torch outside
Lights path down cobbled lane
Which I have walked, will walk again
Sweet field lily, sweet Shoshana
Names to conjure fragrant danger
Fingers tremble, trace the line
From nape to sacrum down the spine
Poisoned prize a trophy
Freely taken, hardly won
A minute, holds back hours
Bud emboldened, forest flowers
Moist under my hand
She sleeps; breath comes quickly
A sigh parts silky lips
Soft-swell breasts, proud goldеn tips
Sweet field lily, sweet Shoshana
Names to conjure fragrant dangеr
My fingers tremble, trace the line
From nape to sacrum down the spine
Sweet sadness fills my heart
Offered chances best not taken
Unsullied, no vain glory:
Chapter, verse, another story
Brushed eyelids gently closed
Beauty framed in dawn-light
Savored moment blessed
A kiss, farewell, and leave to rest
Sweet field lily, sweet Shoshana
Names to conjure fragrant danger
My fingers tremble, trace the line
From nape to sacrum down the spine