In The Desert (Poetry)

Night — and I am in the desert
stars peep at me over the dunes
I smell water close-by
and head for the oasis
I remember from a dream
of camel-trains

Sand shifts under my feet
small nervous shadows burrow
their animal forms
I trudge up another slope —
slip and slide my way until
I see a group of trees
and a lone pale tent
at the pool’s edge

The moon’s liquid silver image
hollow-cheeked but ripple-free
stares back up at herself
denying she is old

I squat — cup my hands and drink
swallow mouthful after mouthful
of vintage lunar wine
’til I am drunk enough to risk
lifting the tent flap knowing
if he’s awake my lord will make
me dance for him