I know!

This is just a Florida lanai!

I am just visiting.

But,

please,

allow me this vision.

As I doze comes sunset.

A gray mist rises from the pool,

fogging my view of beige tile roof tops

transforming them to shifting dunes

surrounding our oasis.

A slight breeze ripples the palm trees.

They sway, fronds caressing fronds.

Pillowy clouds shimmer in pink and rose,

each reflecting each.

I hear complaining camels

answering the curses of their drivers.

Little boys and girls,

together,

naked,

splashing in the shallows,

giggling.

Tribe women come from their tents,

jugs perched on their heads,

laughing their Arabic call

each to all.

The heat of the day diminishes to almost cool.

Days sweat dries.

My skin shivers.

Now,

comes to me,

Lalia,

unmasked,

her cloth drapes sliding over her shoulders,

uncovering her olive skin.

Smiling,

pointing to our tent,

in Bedu she coos, softly.

Then,

slowly in this new taught tongue,

she whispers,

her breath on my skin,

“Come, you, now.

It is time for…”

She does not know the word,

yet.

But,

I obey.

There!

O.K.

May Allah bless you

for your gracious indulgence

as night falls,

and heavens stars,

sigh!