'Neath topaz shafts of solar chandelier,

light sparkles off her iridescent gown                  

as liquid waltzes fill cool aqua sphere                 

and dancers on the pebbled floor press 'round.

She glides across admirer-studded room,

gets lost in languid orchestrated twirls.              

To strains of Mother Nature's ancient tune,

shows belly trails of emerald, onyx pearls.

She chooses one to share his milky brew,                         

invites him to her hidden gravel grove                 

where life begins its circle dance anew

in urgent melding of each lifeforce trove.

Her gift of golden roe now gently spread,

her fate fulfilled; she rests her silver head.

© 2023 Linda Rittenhouse
1st Place ASPS Sonnet
First published in Sandcutters.