Bedouin - Poem by Deborah Jordan

I know his betraying hips

so well.

Every fluid twist and turn.

I watched him my sisters,

as a ghost.

Silent as the sand.

Undisturbed.

I ask you, where

did my reason go?

The day I saw his eyes.

Shimmering emeralds,

behind such hair,

black as kohl.

My sisters,

the ground withered

beneath my feet.

My heart became a guest.

A guest must never

be denied,

but I,

was never free to choose,

my sisters.

The moon is full.

Jihanah moon.

A pool of light falls,

a circular sea he dances across.

Moving like a mirage

of pure water.

But I, am left with salt

and a knife in my hand.

I spend the nights sleepless.

Dishonour, the blanket

which lies heavy

on me.