Towards Algiers
The desert scatters
on our feet. It’s the only
surrender that counts,
vast, unobstructed.
Winds forge directions
for us, where
suns thirst
restless salaats.
Moons huddle
a glimmering city
in your eyes.
They curve down
your neck, down
to mine, as shadows
hold the arcs
of its light.
Tangier – Morocco 2008
Unveiled in Tangier
Finally, we gave in.
At least, for now.
Souks, alleys, and tunnels
guided us there,
through muezzins
flooding
the Strait of Gibraltar.
Your gestures
stretched the sun,
loud as minarets.
Floors tiled patterns,
rising on walls,
prayers, and
premonitions.
Moonlights, too,
had been squared out.
Their curves could
bind whispers,
in moments
gasping for God.
Michael Caylo-Baradi’s work has appeared in The Common, Metazen, MiPOesias, Munyori, PopMatters, Prick of the Spindle, The Los Angeles Daily News, Our Own Voice, and elsewhere.
Photos by flickr creative commons users Maurice Michael and Primeroz
