Marble

The marble figure                                                    Downstairs,

recumbent on a plinth.                                           the exhibit.

A hushed theatre. Electric                                     A woman flayed.

candles flicker.                                                          A foetus at her feet.

I want to say,                                                             Heart hardened. Bones 

‘Is it real?’                                                                   fixed with wire.

Doubtless,                                                                Each vein visible.

the naked figure                                                      An alchemist’s trick

is godlike.                                                                  of wax and silk.

The veil is cold                                                         I want to bury

to the touch                                                             her in my arms.

like pornography.                                                   Know her name.