Egypt

-1- This narrow vein pulses in red earth blood of thousands meanders through valleys barren a surface wounded cries dry tears down to Iskandariyya (1) White sails cover undercurrent once sun burned monoliths choke tide provides no air for their drowned lungs -2- Where grows papyrus How can I write with these reeds my ancestors' annals Where is that land that has my name displaced cast out yesterdays and tomorrows erased. -3- Merciless strangers hewn mouths in set faces staccato tongue dismissive diaspora White cotton spores blown in khamaseen (2) feel their protective shelter burn suffocate (1) Al-Iskandariyya: Alexandria (2) khamsin: Hot desert wind, blowing from south to north. *** July 17, 2017 Copyright © Darren White