Morning In the Village, Part 2

Here comes my father; “Sheikh Al-Arab.” My mother made him, also, tea with milk and “gargoosh.” Now, time to fill “al-azyar” (water clay-containers); They are under the two huge trees in front of our house. Their waters are “sabeel,” for everyone passing by; Might be going to, or coming from, Moslab’s boat. Might be going to, or coming from, Dirar’s shop. “Sheikh Al-Arab” fills “al-azyar” from the “toromba” (water-pump). His children are glad to help; Excited by the “toromba”: Its handle makes a musical sound as it goes up and down. Its water is clear. And it beats brining water from the Nile. --------- Here goes Abdul-Hameed; Leaving to his farm. Riding his old weak gray donkey; Holding his lunch bag. Probably bread and dates; Probably hard-boiled eggs; Probably leftover from last night dinner. He already had breakfast; His wife made him, also, tea with milk and “gargoosh.” The donkey’s lunch will be grass from the field The donkey’s lunch will be fresh. --------- Here comes Nafeesa; Leaving the “zareeba” (animals’ shelter). Today, her goats were generous; Lots of milk. Her husband and children are waiting; Time for tea with milk and “gargoosh.” Her dog accompanied her to the “zareeba”; And back from the “zareeba.” But, no tea, no milk, and no “gargoosh”; Probably an old bone. Only when Nafeesa’s husband slaughters a lamb; “Kibda” (kidney) for breakfast. And lots of meat for everyone. And for the dog. And for other village’s dogs. --------- Here comes Widad and her four children; Carrying one, and three behind her. They are going to “jiddo” (grandfather); They will all have tea and milk and “gargoosh.” “Jiddo” is waiting and it is getting late; Widad will feed them all They walk hurriedly in the dirt street; Dust arises behind them. Two children walk barefoot; The lucky third has old slippers. Two children wear few clothes; The lucky third looks better. “Jiddo” is waiting; more speed; more dust. --------- Here comes Khadeeja; The little thin girl, carrying a plate. She is going to Zahra’s house; Zahra makes “zalabiya” (fried dough balls). There will be Zainab, Alawiya, and Fatima; All sitting on the ground, around the “saj” (big wood-fire fry-pan). All almost sleep; All patiently waiting; Zahra’s “zalabiya” is cooking. --------- (to be continued) .....