Cleopatra: Face of Power

 

They used to say you're white.A heart-shaped, perfect face,A strong body so light,You could sneak in a raceFor power, dominion,And love. Like an onion.
And then they said you're black.A heart-shaped, perfect face,A strong body so light,You could sneak in a raceFor power, dominion,And love. Like an onion.
Then some said you're ugly;They spoke of it freely,That you're old and nasty.
But as sand dunes shiftedAnd the sun came closerAnd the sandstorms drifted,Pyramids don't falterLike AlexandriaAnd broken hydria.
You continue to ruleAll imaginations.And I am only a fool,Making more creations,Retellings of power;Goes over and over.
Staying alive in wordsThrough time, chiefs, kings, and lords.Not faceless forever.Serpent. Queen. Sole ruler.