Fast Day 370 July 19 2014 Desert Memories: Aswan

Desert Memories: Aswan


The days when they are held
give their names to the markets -
the suqūq surrounding
at several oases around
this lake made by artifice.

Six napoleons was the price
of horses on that Monday;
sit among the palms,
smoke the censing shishas-
the life of our dream.

--
notes
suqūq         markets

shishas      Egyptian hookah

Fast Day 369 July 12 2014

Winnecke's comet comes around now and then,
a periodical portent of mischiefs
and monstrous births
and discords among the works of men.

It is a sign upon my heraldry,
along with a Canterbury pilgrim,
counting his beads,
in a russet Franciscan jersey.

And the Virgin Mary left-standing,
with cormorant or albatross
over my ship:
Life need not be disappointing

Is the motto there inscribed on the bow,
bone-cruncher and wave-breaker
save our souls!
and heed our diego pilgrimage!

--