First Kiss

By Sappho

And down I set the cushion
Upon the couch that she
Relaxed supine upon it
Might give her lips to me

As some enamored priestess
At Aphrodite’s shrine
Entranced I bent above her
With sense of the divine

She had, by nature nubile
In years a child, no hint
Of any secret knowledge
Of passion’s least intent

Her mouth for immolation
Was ripe, and mine the art;
And one long kiss of passion
Deflowered her virgin heart

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