Desert Dwellers

By Michal Mitak Mahgerefteh

(Morocco 2000)

In the golden soil, no birds,

no insects on its surface.

Trees quench thirst with

their roots, entwine veiled

dwellers reposing by the

green canopy of the oasis

by the cusp of desert dunes,

a landscape of stagnant

pools of water giving life

despite the scorching heat,

they sip hot tea, sit in groups,

reading Moroccan proverbs,

chanting hymns to Allah.

 

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.