Baksheesh

In for a penny, in for a pound
money makes the world go round.

“Baksheesh, pretty lady, Cleopatra eyes?”
foreign intrigue in a bantering guise.

“What do you want, My Queen?”
“Just for you, right here, behind the screen.”

One dollar, five pounds, the world goes round
in for a penny, in for a pound.

“Oh my beauty, please stay, please.
Come, come here, to my shop, stay for tea?”

“No hassle, so honest, nice things abound!”
Money, not love, makes the world go round.



*Baksheesh means a TIP in arabic.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Peranteau Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 6:29 AM
A great Couplet here Deborah ! I'm learning Egyption culture from your trip, and I just love it, TY dear poet ! much love, james
Palli Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 12:44 PM
so true!
Brown Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 12:44 PM
I enjoyed reading your poetry today Deborah. Hope to be reading it for a long time to come. Thank you for sharing it. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 8:25 AM
Begging for tips was popular in the Bahamas as well, Deb. I LOVE this poem! So nicely written with humor and insight into the Egyptian culture. A favorite for me! And your blog photos are incredible!! Love, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 3:05 AM
Baksheesh is the same word in Indian languages meaning a tip or a present.You have picked up that word and interpreted it quite correctly, Deb. I have revised my sestina.
Masters Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 6:19 PM
That is for certain: without money, you are powerless in this world.
Onclaud Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 5:42 PM
hi, deb.. SOUP MAIL.. impotartant! thanks lots.. nette
Onclaud Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 5:41 PM
hpw descriptive, this one is.. " cleoptra eyes,"deb! this is an exhuberant, well-scribed piece on the theme on generosity.. warmest, nette
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