Raqs-E Sharqi Poem by Richard Theze

Raqs-e Sharqi

Just as the ritzy
Single malts and
Cuban cigars,
Imported from a few
Opposing corners
Of a shrinking globe,
A single dancer
Brought, bought
In Rial and Ringgit,
By the host – thrown
And gathered by guests,
Those chique sippers
Of pink Champagne –
All dark gowned and suited
Among the bankers,
The unknown celebrities
And the armed attendants.
In bare contrast, she,
Strikingly costumed
In end-of-the-spectrum red
Bedlah,
Bold as blood, fire and
Shimmering rubies,
All arabesque
Hips lifting, twisting, dropping,
Rhythmically fusing and
Uniting opposites,
Danced, and thus,
Plied her most
Compelling craft.