bare
hot
sun
scorpion
on my
fingertip
-the balance
the fragile shade
like a razor blade
cuts the sweat loose
from under the brim
of my soaking, wet hat
perspiration drops
onto eyelids
blink
slowly
don't make the scorpion dance
sweat stings too - a static shock
in eyes
the tail rises
the bedouins, my brothers
swords cast aside
quiet too, until the command
''remove your hand''
faster than the scorpion stings
the test to pass or fail
here at the Empty Quarter*
immobile tail, coiled
tight
''remove your hand!''
I fall, to the sand
*The Empty Quarter, the largest area of sand in the world, is found in the area between Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. There is no better place in the world. The best way to pass this test is indeed to fall forward into the sand, knocking the scorpion forward off your fingers, as shaking it loose is risky. Of course the real artisans place the scorpion gently on the sands. They are the ones who make love that evening to the woman of their dreams with the same, gentle caress. As for the rest of us who are not stung, we drink coffee and recite poetry around a campfire in the desert.
No-one loves poetry more than the bedouins, who will repeat each last word in every line you recite as they listen. A wonderful experience.
