by Julia Griffin

“… 18 ancient tombs were discovered at Marina el-Alamein, near Alexandria, which includes rock-cut and limestone tombs, pottery and a granite sarcophagus. … Close to the sarcophagus, they found the remains of a plaster sphinx statue… . Four gold pieces were placed inside the mouths of some of the deceased, known as ‘the golden tongue’…”
—The Guardian

O Sphinx, whom are you watching in this tomb?
Never mind whom.
This gold upon his tongue—what can it be?
A mystery.
Is it a gift, a fare he has to pay?
I will not say.
Then answer only this: why did he die?
Do not ask why.
Surely it was no curse that laid him low?
You may not know.
But could he curse another, in his turn?
That you will learn.