A Mummy's Viewpoint

(an alternative view after a museum visit in Oxford)

Encased in glass, I lie supine,

as people pass by single file.

My body bound by linen strips

in geometric patterned style

of ancient Egypt's craftsmanship.

A Roman portrait at my head,

my lips are pursed, too sad to smile.

"She was a beauty", I hear said,

"How did she meet her early death?

Her pearls portray a life of wealth,

too bad her riches and her gold

could not have bought her better health".

Into a stranger's land I'm brought,

away from all I've ever known,

where day to day I am displayed

undignified, away from home.

The afterlife I had in mind

was where I languished in my dreams,

yet here within museum walls,

it's not the heaven that it seemed.

My silent cries are lost to all,

how small I am within this place.

Repatriate me, please I ask

to find elation on my face.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and in the end...no matter how big or important we were in life....in death we are the same size as anyone else...
i like the theme here...and it is coincidental...because I am reading a book right now about a woman in a coma..she has her thoughts and hears what people are saying , but cannot communicate and they all think she is oblivious when actually she is not...interesting what we can hear in those situations...
being on display is never easy.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

That book sounds interesting Jacob, and is on a subject I have often pondered on. The awfulness of being imprisoned in your mind while your body is effectively useless. Pleased to hear where my words took you. Many thanks.

Chris

[john l smith]

It does seem disrespectful dragging the poor dead dear about, not knowing her feelings or consulting with about the endless traveling she faces.
But you might consider her as a willing participant representing Egyptian tourism along the lines of Sharif and Malik.
Or the climate thingy. It is super hot in Egypt and perhaps she is more comfortable in a cooler English climate.
But I am sure you are right about her wanting to get back into her more comfortable, terminal surroundings
I wonder how many poems have been dedicated

A very sympathetic write
Enjoy yur afternoon

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for reading and your comments. You raise yourself some alternative views to consider. Always good to see you visit. Your comments always appreciated.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Another lovely poem in rhyming verse and excellent metre. The sentiment is well made and I often wonder what right we have to 'own' as a nation someone else's history.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[Relic]

I'm reminded of the song 'Frozen man' from James Taylor while reading this. This poem makes you wonder if the spirit really does hang around in the body after death. I'm sure there must be some semblance of it somewhere.

[Chris Shaw]

There was something distasteful I found about the mummy's on open display. It didn't sit easy with me and I am not a religious person, more spiritual.I guess I must have been thinking along the same lines as you. Many thanks Tim. I'll check that song out, I can't recall it.

Chris