This year, March 21st, 2021 was World Poetry Day! I have finished my poem a bit over the date, but writing good poetry takes time, right? My process is to be inspired by something, and write out my complete thought associations in one go. Then I put my “poem-in-progress” aside for a time (a few days, week, etc) and do not think much about it. Then I read it over again and see if it still gives me the effect I was going for, or the expression that I want to create. Then I start brainstorming again until I come up with a finished product. Here is my poem that was written by March 21st, however not all completed until today. Hope you enjoy reading it! It was inspired by the nighttime in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.
“Passing a Princess at Evening”
Ode to Elephant Rock, Al Ula, Saudi
A light breeze stirred the desert
As the moon began to appear above the land
Ladies in a group enjoyed the evening,
sitting ‘round a table laughing
out in the open air
We too were in a small group
sitting ‘round a table and looking about
Elephant rock became orange sun
lit slowly by electric lights, as the night came
Drumming began
The group of ladies dressed in flowing abayas
settled together on cushions gracefully
like a flock of birds, with drums in hands
played a beat along with the leaders
The night became song and rhythm
No one danced, not here
High above in a different courtyard
Strong twinkling stars danced in the cool night
The airy laughter of the ladies
The fires burning on the torches
Glowing in the circular pits where people gathered
I walked around that night
and in the evening, with the rhythm and flow
A princess passed me
She was one in the group of ladies
Her escort kindly followed her
as she left for another party
Did she know that she passed me by?
My bodyguard not visible?
We settled ourselves around a circular pit
By the fire’s glow
Secluded by the night from those above
our shoulders comfortably hugging the sand
Where the lights and dark night lingered
Protected from gazes and talk
Our own small world of royalty
Fires in the sky mirrored the ground.
Watchful diamonds in the darkness
What a noble crown the heavens wear!
Where distance is counted by time
How many kingdoms
have passed under your gaze?
by Desert Gardener
Date Palms & Camels 
Beautiful ❤️
LikeLike