Written as part of The Southwark Mysteries performance at The Scoop April 2010

Great Dover Street Woman

Amazon! Infamy!
As old as Christ Jesus
Mercury at my heels
Weary from battle, laid to rest
I cannot speak my secrets
Though all shall be unearthed
Flint and bone
Shard on stone
Honoured. Eight lamps to light my way.

Amazon! Infamy!
An arena spectacular
Two ladies in leather
Cut and slash, this girl fought well
‘Respected but not respectable’
My glory earned
My body burned
Libations. The grace in my disgrace.

Amazone! Infamia!
You ask your questions
That have no answers
Did I choose, was I chosen?
Was I freeborn? Was I slave?
Illicit fun?
My battle won?
Daughter of Rome, mystery of Southwark.

We cannot speak our secrets
Though all shall be unearthed.