The Lure of the Desert

If you have never felt the lure of the desert, 
you cannot understand why people like me
prefer to be surrounded by sandy dunes.
An inexplicable lure, that acts like a drug.....
Until I was kidnapped by four senile Bedouins.
There was nothing senile about their guns.
Courteously I was led into their tent
built near a small oasis.  I was fed, sort of. 
And then the entertainment began.
 
From behind the curtains, someone strummed
a melody of eastern music, eerie and mysterious,
but still unpleasant to my ears.
Two men performed a sword dance.
Then a lovely female dancer took the stage.
In the dim light, the air was smoky with hookahs,
she stood in the middle of the tent,
The music climbed slowly in a crescendo,
her dance matched the rhythm, slow to fast.
I wonder why she did not interest me.
I was more concerned about the weapons
Aimed idly at me.  Someone handed me a drink, 
like nectar.  I drank and drank and drank.
 
The end came, abruptly.
I woke up groggily, 
and was sent to the nearest town.
The senile Bedouin smiled:
"The desert has its beauty, my friend.
But be careful. You can get lost."
Still, the lure of the desert will always beckon.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Fowler Avatar
March 23, 2023 at 11:24 AM
Your tales just keep getting better and better Victor. A great and bountiful imagination you have!
Kannan Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 9:53 PM
Such an interesting story... And great imagination...Loved it ...
Rodrigues Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 5:28 PM
Interesting tale of mystery and danger.
Horsman Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 5:10 PM
We have deserts here, Victor, folk get lost all the time. and help to those lost, is a heavenly experience. Is you poem, based on people i wonder, and their actions? LOve the story.. Harry
Dietrich Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 12:59 PM
What an interesting tale you wove!!
Cunningham Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Even though it can be a harsh environment it still has a certain beauty of its own. Tom
Rose  Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 4:04 AM
you have such an imagination dear poetry friend it knows no boundaries. I am always riveted with your story telling, :)
George Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 8:23 PM
What a mysterious and intriguing experience in the desert. Your imagination is so very fertile and still you lament over senility! Well done dear Victor.
Volumes Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 8:11 PM
Wow what a story. So descriptive, felt like I was breathing the smoke from the hookahs. Victor this could be a page from a best selling book. I want more please. Its brilliant. Cudos my friend This gets a favorite from me.
Chuuk Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 6:44 PM
Maybe I’ll stay away from it. Lol. Well, I surely enjoyed this entertaining journey, Vic. Brilliant work of art :)
DiMino Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 5:40 PM
Wonderful tale my friend. I love the high desert, not quite so barren, and totally fascinating. I have hiked where dwell rattlesnakes snakes and scorpions (bit a couple times by scorpions), yet loved every journey. A vulture in flight is one of the most magnificent flyers. Fond memories, for age has caught up with me. Great read!
Peck Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 12:12 PM
What a fascinating painting you've created with your words, Victor. I could just see it happening. Take care in the desert! :)D3
Kavanagh  Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 11:48 AM
Perhaps it was Salome dancing Victor, if so you were lucky to get out in one piece, a truly original and mind boggling post, I enjoyed reading cheers David
Edmonds  Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 11:35 AM
A fascinating story Victor, what a dream it was. Though the desert is alluring it may be far from amusing… Belle
Roper Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Excellent work enjoyed this moving fearful write. Your imagination it’s so well done.
Buehler Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 11:09 AM
Mysterious and intriguing. Was it a dream? All's well that ends well, but he should probably heed the warning, though the desert will always be calling. A fantastic story, Victor. :)
Turner Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 7:13 AM
I love the imagination. Sounds like a tale a child would make up. I enjoyed my adventure, Victor:)
Pandit Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 6:30 AM
Enjoyed the ride on the wings of your imagination, Victor. A story that entertains with great imagery.
Poet Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 5:07 AM
Excellent writing, Victor. Exciting and intriguing story.
Kendrick Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 4:48 AM
Ha!! Ha!! Wild imagination, or is it? Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. I think you could still learn to play the piano. Sara
Daniel Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 3:07 AM
A captivating story, Victor:)
Andresen Avatar
March 13, 2023 at 2:54 AM
- Could see this with my own eyes ... an exciting and scary experience, Victor - Excellent writing :) - Have a lovely new week :) - hugs
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