A brilliant orange streaks
the sky to invite a sinking sun
that gives new light
to a dull landscape.
The broad bar of sunlight
peaks through the many shops and tents
in the market.
This morning glory meets the people
and clears the dark crevices of yesterday.

A man, ruddy and handsome,
stands idle in the street market
watching bustling crowds haggle,
as vendors shout like sirens.

The smell of decomposed fish
assaults his nostrils
while the coaxing smell
of curry leaves and spices,
of cheese and cream
visit his face.

Suddenly,
snatches of cold air
coil around him
bringing a lingering
sweet smell of jasmine
that becomes a shot of adrenaline
to his heart.

He pushes past
the busy hives of strangers
and their bubble of white noise;
their blurring conversations.
Crusading to seek out the origin
of such sublimity
becomes his only purpose.

The scent of jasmine begins to fade
as blood hums in his veins.
Determination and frustration
take over.
Then,
through an opening of the crowd,
her smile is revealed.

The man speaks
as the crowd slowly dissolves,
exposing the one with a tender spell.
“That one, harboring a dream
deep behind the windows of her soul.
Her eyes hold a serenity and gentleness
that makes me a victim to her gaze!
Long and fluid black hair
lay gently over her shoulder bones,
kissing her soft skin.
The undeniable symmetry
to her creamy face
holds me captive.”

A rare foreign beauty
permits a grace unexplained.
A silent euphoric sensation
courses through the man’s body
as she walks towards him.
He quivers at the idea
of her existence
trembling with exquisite pains.

She raises her hand
towards his cheek.
The flare of desire
kindles further within the man.
Wicked thoughts spark.
Deeper they get, stroking
the man’s fire,
lighting him up.

But before him, the woman’s face begins
to change.
Her eyes sink to her cheeks,
liquefying.
Her mouth no longer holds a smile
as it dissolves.  
Her nose becomes nothing as it slips
down the ***** of her face.
Soon,
a beautiful countenance
churns into a melted portrait of
once beautiful artwork.
Pieces of her drip onto the floor
as the rest of her body follows suit.

The world around the man begins to melt away.

The man abruptly awakens,
finding himself in his bed.
Silk sheets cover his torso,
sweat trickles from his brow,
down his cheek.
His hands meet
to cover his face.
Sighing, he says,
“I dreamed a dream of hope,
but now I wake
beyond the comfort,
subjected to a soul
tattered and torn.
Now still,
a broken-winged bird
attempting to fly.

A barren field
frozen with snow
waiting for sunlight.
Just a wandering soul
searching for my body,
searching to be complete.
When will my journey end?”