Isis

(The Thames as It Flows through Oxford)

River that lives a double life;
crowded vein that pushes past
and steals east, quietly breaching
county lines and taking on
this emerald cowl—solemn masque
of Egypt pressing through my home,
cleaving the heart.

               *

Goddess of fates, go to the woman
I covet yet love; place your humid
hands upon her waist and slow
dance her over to me—slow
enough that she begins to lead,
and then I’ll know… This must be
the pull of your burning Nile.