Princess

I saw her face for the first time tonight.

She was the princess of my dreams;
Playing with the moonlight
Charming the goblins
Scenting the desert haze
With her raw, untamed perfume.

She was always embroidering;
I fancied they were her dreams
Of princes from far off lands
And beautiful courtesans
Gently flirting in crisp winter air
Or flitting in the water, without a care.

Her hands were never still;
Washing, cooking, carrying
Babies and water across the desert land
And sometimes in prayer
To that hidden goddess
Who lurked within the folds of her thoughts.

She lay in open tonight;
I sought her blessings for a wife like her
Shyly peeking for my first glimpse.
Uncomprehending, I recoiled
My princess lay dissolved
Into a wrinkled hag.