the dance of the almeh
the bangles intimate connection
the Oud stirs poetical tension
lusciousness curves the mind around
for the earth is sandslopped
beyond understanding
dance of water dance of flame
passion is treasure and praise,
supple with mystery.
disast the fool’s gaze, repudiate
across the public eye, like a gift,
the gauze drifts smokey incense
uncorseted the body moves as it should
gracefully beyond harmony
the edges smooth themselves
inexorable its self-assurance
her stalk bends like a flower of the Tigris
piquant in that banquet breeze.
oh that i might drink the shape
impossibly deep
drink the intoxicating liquor of her
and let the spirit take me
wherever it will!
after Jean-Leon Gerome, Dance of the ALmeh (1863).
