At the Cusp of the Medina

By Michal Mitak Mahgerefteh

(Morocco 2010)

From the balcony a blaze of glorious colors;

red hibiscus, subtle pink mimosas, yellow jasmine,

and delicate passion flowers against blinding crimson

bougainvillea. Laila, the keeper, ringed her bulbous

eyes in kohl, shook a swarthy complexion while raking

leaves from the slab of concrete embellished with blue

ceramic tiles, waking late sleepers to the sound of gold

bracelets dangling on fat wrists. The tranquility streamed

from a large mosaic fountain and Moroccan music piped

from miniature speakers hidden in the trunks of palm

and fig. Snowcapped mountains rose behind the tall

iron-gate, meeting the horizon in a pinnacle embrace

of golden eventide. I indulged on squares of dark Swiss

chocolate, lit a fresh Cuban cigar, and inhaled the

flattering stroke of ancestral memory.

 

Michal Mitak Mahgerefteh is an award-winning poet and artist from Virginia. She is author of four poetry collections, including In My Bustan; Field of Harps; Sipping Memories: A Poetic Journal to Morocco; What’s Left Behind; Michal is currently working on a collection of poems inspired by the words of David and Rumi.