Cleopatra

Verse 1:
Waking up to Egypt's glaring sunlight
I have my maid apply kohl to my eyes
I smell roses atop cinnamon oil,
Contained in lapis lazuli bowls.
Jewels are woven through my thick tresses
As I choose from my myriad dresses.
Shimmering silks hung neatly
And hands overflowing with jewelry.
I step onto the balcony without my guards
On the hot marble surface I lay my arms
On impulse I rub the kohl away,
On impulse I decide to be myself today.

Chorus:
I run through the streets like a peasant
Glorying in my attendants' absence
I feel the breeze off the Nile sink into my skin
I feel Isis' strength stirring within
I have torn my dress
But I can get a new one
Because for today
I just run, run, run.

Verse 2:
I smile at everyone in the streets
Of Alexandria, everyone I meet
Gives me stares as I speak in their tongues
Greek, Latin, Egyptian; I know every one.
I gaze in fascination at the mighty Pharoahs
I have never even seen it up close,
Always hidden inside my stuffy rooms
Today's finally my day to choose
I hear clamors and shouts from behind
I turn and meet the angry eyes
Of my Nubian guards. I freeze
But then I laugh and continue chasing
the breeze.

Chorus:Repeat
Bridge:
I am Cleopatra Philopator,
Of the mighty Ptolemy line
But in this moment I want more
Than what my heritage defines.