north-west..


the sun 

had passed this way 

before it shone on you

and all those buds and blades of grass

that you have loved and missed 

had bathed in the warmth 

curled and stretched, fragrant

under its gaze

distant notes of oud, whispering 

sailed in your direction

carried on ethereal waves

and wings of butterflies 

and song

a gentle breeze

caressed  your cheek

and murmured through your hair

a sweet breath of jasmine 

filled your room and spilled onto the village below

boys stopped at their play 

and raised their faces to the sky

their joy exploding 

in little smiles, held captive 

by their pursed lips and dimpled chins

eyes quizzical

changing as the changing skies

as clouds went by

the day was wasted on stifling mind games

and strife
the evening settled in

watching the boys huddle close together 

your eyes watered 

as they trickled along the road

the sun slid down your window panes

and seeped in long dark shadows

down the walls

paused to sprinkle tiny stars of gold in water puddles

for an instant

and then was gone..

maha kamel

painting by: Nihad Wicho