An ode to Aphrodite - from 'The Cypriot' - a novel

My darling. You are my goddess of love. All-holy daughter of Uranus,
a virgin sent from heaven to bring the gift of life into the
world.

Like the most precious of pearls, your love was placed on a shell and
gently carried to me by the moist breath of the North Wind. And as the
waves broke against the jagged rocks of Cyprus, the foam was fashioned
into human form.

And the sea nymphs wrapped you in divine silk garments. They perfumed
you with incense and anointed you with the sacred oil of the gods, to
create an effervescent beauty with the power of the ocean.

And upon your head they laid a crown, bejewelled with precious stones.
And through the pierced lobes of your ears they hung ornaments of
copper. Round your delicate neck they placed a necklace of pure gold.
And round your milky-white hips they set the embroidered girdle of
desire.

Your melodious call entranced all who heard you and your fragrant aroma
intoxicated all who breathed you. Your perfect figure captivated all
who set eyes on you and your immaculate flesh beguiled all who touched
you. Like the ocean, you beckoned all to come to you. You demanded that
all explore you.

And no man could resist your spell. Even the gods themselves wished to
possess you. For the love you offered was eternal. But you rejected
them all. Like the ocean, you were tempestuous and sought vengeance
against anyone who dared try and conquer you.

And so the maiden of love sought sanctuary. In accordance with ancient
rites you sat in the sacred garden waiting for the lonely stranger to
claim you. Only he with an open mind, a generous heart and a pure
spirit could triumph over those who sought only to control you.

I threw a small offering to you and invoked upon you the name of
Afrodhidi, borne of the foam. I begged you to share with me your
sensuous blessings. We came together like the union of the goddess of
fertility with the god of vegetation. You unlocked within me the door
to affirmation and self-love and I in turn released within you the seed
of devotion and of honour.

Oh, my goddess of love, let no impediment hinder our path to ecstacy
and meaning. Open to me my own true feelings. Spark our beings with the
magic of love. Guide our pairing with wisdom and fill our hearts with
tender devotion. Let us dance the love and passion of equals. Radiant,
joyous beings, sipping from the cup of eternity.