Once Upon a Desert

Have you seen the desert? My first steps are remembered by her sands. I was raised on her mirages, Bartered off when I first shed blood. My wedding journey was etched on her visage, Rows of camels, a blushing bride, a man in the front. My grave will also be a secret in her breast. Have you held the desert? She cannot be contained. But I am, Within four walls in her realm, Bound by ropes invisible to all, By my man and many many men, Who know better than everyone. Have you ruled the desert? No one owns her, she goes where she pleases. But I am, Told when to go, how to go, where to go My steps should not err, For even the falcons have eyes, And tongues men understand. Have you touched the desert? She plays like a wayward child. But I am no child, I have breasts that suckle children, Hips that bear weight of a man, Hair which is twisted into handholds, To bang my head on the walls. Have you annoyed the desert? She spews piercing needles. One day I will rage like her My mother who bore me upon her chest, And fed me her rare water. One day I will pierce those men’s eyes Who would want to know me closely, More and more, morning and night. One day I will be smart like her Upon those men, who don’t know what we both know, And let them sink into her depths.