i)


scrub my soul
she says waving a
proffered foot-

in the heat
eyeing one through
onyx slits-

and tell a story
of youth
infinite..

(poe sits by her shoulder
eyeing one..
in egypt)-

ii

in egypt
i would breakfast
by the nile..

i smoked strong hash..
-and in the night
the call to the faithful

for prayer..
i was very ill..
i had  hepatitis..

the waiters dressed in fine
style..!
like a dream

the little dhows
went hither and thither
o the greens

the blue and brown..!?
the crisp croissant-
i was young..