ENGLE, Paul


Venus and the Lute Player

Far in the background a blue mountain waits

To echo back the song

The note-necked swan, while it reverberates,

Paddles the tune along.

The player is a young man richly dressed.

His hand is never mute.

But quick in motion as if it caressed

Both lady and the lute.

Nude as the sunlit air the lady rests.

She does not listen with her dainty ear,

But trembles at the love song as her breasts

Turn pink to hear.

She does not rise up at his voice's fall,

But takes that music in,

By pointed leg and searching hand, with all

Her naked skin.

Out of that scene, far off, her hot eyes fall,

Hoping they will take in

The nearing lover, whom she can give all

Her naked skin.