Darren White Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

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

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Aqua Marine July 25, 2018 at 1:57 PM When I see this little penguin looking at me, I see Happy Poetic " Feet..." And the way you danced to your own creative rhythms, dizzying so many with your individualistic style... I pray that you are okay..(((Hugs)))

Gregory Richard Barden July 20, 2017 at 7:35 AM Extraordinary work, my friend ... I am Bedouin at heart. ;-) <3 Darren White July 20, 2017 at 8:04 AM Hey there, Bedu ;) <3

Funom Makama July 19, 2017 at 1:17 PM You just unzipped the covers of my mind to the unprecedented worship of your adorable lines with a powerful choice of words that can't just be ignored. Showers of your wisdom is well palpated in this page and the only thing I can say is a big WELL DONE! Can't wait to have more of your mental command flowing through my reading mind. Darren White July 20, 2017 at 1:05 AM Thank you Funom for your wonderful words :)

Maria Williams July 18, 2017 at 1:27 AM I love the ancient touch to this poem Darren, has a mystical feel to it, and the image makes it all the more dramatic. Wonderful ...Maria Darren White July 18, 2017 at 2:55 AM Thanks Maria :) It's an important poem to me.

Chris Green July 17, 2017 at 2:54 PM I am sorry my friend, I read this poem early this morning, lost my connection and forgot to come back and leave my comment again. Darren, your talent is amazing...the way you write, think, see thing is incredible. This has a ancient feel to it, the way you have crafted this piece is like it is chiseled in stone. This is co cool. Bravo poet, bravo. Darren White July 18, 2017 at 1:02 AM Thanks my friend, your opinion is so important to me :)

M. L. Kiser July 17, 2017 at 2:49 PM I love all things Egyptian; this was beautifully done. Thanks for the great tour; my mind needed that. Darren White July 18, 2017 at 1:01 AM Thank you (also for loving everything Egyptian ;)

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart July 17, 2017 at 12:07 PM Fine work here Piroet, a magnificent write. Hugs to you, ton mo xo Darren White July 18, 2017 at 1:01 AM Merci ma mo :) so happy you love this

Kim Rodrigues July 17, 2017 at 8:25 AM A sad and vivid write! Darren White July 17, 2017 at 10:28 AM I agree, thanks Kim :)

Tim Smith July 17, 2017 at 8:22 AM Love this poem. Makes me want to know more...I give it a big ten. Darren White July 17, 2017 at 10:27 AM Hey there Tim :) Go research a bit, it's a country with a great history!

Lisa Ricci July 17, 2017 at 6:11 AM Afternoon Darren. This is Free Verse all the way and all dressed up. Always do your expressions reach the note. Have a wonderful afternoon. Darren White July 17, 2017 at 7:07 AM Hello Lisa :) Thank you, I am glad you like my poem.

Heidi Sands July 17, 2017 at 5:49 AM I like how you wrote this one Darren with the descriptions and the sadness reaches the reader :). Darren White July 17, 2017 at 7:06 AM Thanks Heidi. If you can feel the sadness, then I succeeded :)

Silent One July 17, 2017 at 5:43 AM Your poem touches upon a sad issue of today's world, so many intolerant nations, and why? Because people can't forget the past? Misuse of religious beliefs? Greed? Ego? I like that word Khamsin. Darren White July 17, 2017 at 5:45 AM Khamsin (Egyptian arabic: khamaseen) means "fifty", fifty days of wind, starting around Coptic Easter...

Eileen Manassian July 17, 2017 at 5:17 AM Dear, my husband is Egyptian, and proud to be one. I feel the angst in this poem. I can only guess at the cause of it. Egypt is rich in history and beauty, but it has a long way to go in matters of tolerance and inclusion. Hugs Darren White July 17, 2017 at 5:36 AM You've said that diplomatically :) It is true. I am Egyptian, but I don't live there for political reasons. That is what the poem is about. Hugs back :)

Aqua Marine July 17, 2017 at 4:04 AM Hi Darren, I just had to comment on this poetic artwork- rich and masterful, poignant plea, touching..( I have read most of your poetry in the last few months- in awe, and shy to comment...: D...) Fave save/ seven! Darren White July 17, 2017 at 4:19 AM Oh, you did??? Thank you :) Never be shy to comment, I always like to read it.

White Wolf July 17, 2017 at 2:30 AM Well, Duir! You have really excelled into a brilliant wordsmith, my friend! Are you now working with more muses? Darren White July 17, 2017 at 4:20 AM Hehe :) This time my muse was inspired by a conversation, about politics.