As mist along the Nile the whisper blows.
The plaintive flute, the heartbeat throb of drum,
Proclaimed this, while great Aten’s dawn arose,
“Possessed of charm … the beauty that has come.”
The Mistress of two lands, beloved one,
Most comforting to me of all my loves
Exuding happiness – my cares are gone,
They fly away, as on the wings of doves.
Tonight I kiss you where I dared not touch,
I worship where an altar never stood,
And pour libations from my body, such
A sacrifice as drains me of my blood.
Nefer-nefer-u-aten, I am drawn
Into the heady rapture of your dawn.
Author notes
Although this is a personal poem, readers may feel free to look at it simply as a poem to Nefertiti. She was the widow Pharaoh Amenhotep IV - later known as Akhenaten - and herself may have ruled briefly, as Neferneferuaten, before being succeeded by her son-in-law Tutankhamen. Many of the words for this poem come from actual inscriptions dedicated to her, and the picture is of a famous bust, now in Berlin.
Nefertiti, as Akhenaten's consort, particpated in the founding of a new religion - worship of the god Aten - which briefly supplanted the worship of Amun. the latter was reintroduced under Tutankhamen. It is now a matter of controversy, but it was long thought that the worship of Aten had gnetle teachings later recognisable to Christians; lately it has been suggested that it was little more than a personality cult for the Pharaoh. The references to dawn in the poem, refer to the concept, in Aten-worship, of the god's wisdom descending in rays of sunlight.
Written June 25th, 2006
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What did you think
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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I'll try, Choriangel - I am away from home at the moment, but am filling my notebook.
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This was interesting. I loved you picture up there along with the poem, thanks for sharing this piece, keep up the awesome poetry...
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I believe the sculptor's name was Djutmose (from memory). The facial features harmonise almost exactly with what was believed to be her mummifed body. I am glad you liked it, Michael.
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A fine sonnet--I have always been fascinated by Egyptology, and this famous head of Nefertiti(which in cerain ways seems "unEgytpian") has kept me spellbound since I was a boy. Excellent.
Edited on Jul 17, 3:28 p.m. because 'left out a word'. -
I'm a spooky lady, Sis!
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Oh-oh. You are never going to believe this in a million years. When I was playing with that joint venture you proposed, one of my inspiration phrases in my list was "Nefertiti, Tut's delight". This is getting flat spooky, Sis. It's a great sonnet, entirely accurate; and for once, I can say that without consulting the encyclopedia! I always said you would catch me being right once long before I'd catch you being wrong...LOL. Shiny Sis
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Her name means "The beautiful one has come": Nfr t iitj is the closest rendering. I am glad you liked the poem.
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exceptional
Simply marvelous, Mairi. Both a lesson in history and a poetic delving into the mystery and beauty of Nefertiti. I am particulary taken with the third stanza where the body becomes the temple and the offerings are human and living. Far too many times we have turned deeply spiritual human beings into graven idols and robbed them of their humanity, but you have managed to bring Nefertiti alive again, and breathed life into her in a very sensitive way. Just a joy to read this morning, and a brilliant job. I am right in saying that Nefer means beautiful?
Keep up the wonderful works,
Mercury Rising -
Thank you Tangalhotep, you barmophotep!
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Dear Mairi,
Your research into Egyptian culture becomes a sacred delight in poetic form. Mysterious and captivating material which you give to your readers.
I love it when I can have enjoyment and knowledge with my reading.
Excellent work!
Tang -
Thanks for dropping in, Lavendar. I am glad you like this - quite a lot of my work is in sonnet form.
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A beautiful sonnet for us
A beautiful poem! I do like sonnets so much and shall enjoy reading more of your poetry. Egypt is such a fascinating place, one could spend much time enranced with all things Egyptian!
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Marilynn I am glad I made you glad
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Thy brilliance shines forth
Oh, studious one, it is such fun to visit you, today! Your sonnet does enrapture and then completely capture my attention!
And what's more, I now shall mention that all things Egyption are fab beyond description and however did you do this poem...I can't think of anything that rhymes with "Nefertiti" except "my cousin, Betty.
" Or, "She's kind of sweaty."
Ah, ha! You put her name in the title and then you do not deal with her ponderous name again until the very end!
A fine and clever way, which I do like very much. This lovely sonnet is the first poem I have read oh this summer day and it makes me very glad!
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