MAKING UP FOR AN ANCIENT EGYPT SESSION...

Making Up For Egypt

I would sit

In a tight space:

No natural light

Endearing the day.

Thigh-length white gown, obtusely 

Tied with gold braid, loosely

At the waist

And tired gaze peered into a small mirror,

Cosmetics in hand, mind contrite…

I would brush

Eyelids with green:

Unnatural sight, 

Preparing the day.

Black liner, eye-paint sinuously

Daubed with bold sweeps, selflessly

With kohl’s sheen

And keen gaze peered at a scribe’s face,

Wig in hand, senses alight…

Pete Ray

February 2016

Mornings spent making up my eyes to appear as though I was an ancient Egyptian scribe: ‘Thoth-hotep’, ready for Egyptian handling sessions in role at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery…

Good days...

My son, Jamie, had to assist me one day, when his school was closed for teacher training...

Poor lad.