Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE READER; AN IDYL, by NATHALIA CRANE
First Line: I am an ancient lady
Last Line: Lesbia, phryne or thais.
Subject(s): Women

I am an ancient lady
Cross-legged upon a dais,
Reading of Cleopatra,
Lesbia, Phryne and Thais.

I am sedate in measure,
Old enough not to regret,
Licking a sugared almond,
Mincing a mild cigarette.

Often I pause to ponder --
Goodness, who's shaking the dais?
Surely not Cleopatra,
Lesbia, Phryne or Thais.