Alleyways,
Stony echoes of anticipation
Left petrified
In between layers of time
Familiar as the lines on the palm of my hand.
Alleyways,
Vibrant with the indescribable pleasure
Of running into things
Totally known.
And new
As the shock of returning home.
The twisting and turning of memory
Unfolding before my feet.
Faces, faces, eyes
Cozy, deep, half-lit shops
Stacks of soap, sugar cubes
Boxes of cigarette, tea
And cookies
Cookies that hide entire childhoods
in one bite.
Alleyways,
The lifeline to the garden
Alive with fragrance of orange
The fragrance of orange
Spread in the air
The air
Saturated with sunshine and silent prayers
Emanating from
Half-burnt white candles – personal wishes aflame –
In God’s presence.
Shiraz, Dec.30, 2000