Beduins

a poem by Zahira Rahman

In the summer winds
dust invaded our homes
and warned us of flooding skies.
Dry rains told us of the coming winds
and the fog.
Now the winds with the sound of dead leaves
say the summer has begun its journey.

We sense like birds
and live by the signs of sun and stars.

Around us, men wound the earth
and grease our turquoise seas.

We on golden fares
quench our thirst when
our beasts favour our days.

Around us, men wound the earth
and grease our turquoise skies