Al-Ziyara Options

[Siren]

Frangipani blossoms wreathe a legion
of winding paths
all leading to where you lie.
Their heavy, musky-sweet scent
floods the senses,
and prismatic color
warms the appearance
of your mundane home.

My footsteps squish the damp earth
as they weave their way up to you.
My hands open,
offering to your fresh haven
a bouquet of pink lilies.

Driplets form a tiny pool upon my cheek.
I hear your voice whispering softly...
floating through my heart...

My lips move in silent prayer
for your soul's protection
promising to lie beside you
when my day comes.

The air is coaxed to zephyrs
by your hand,
gently swishing around me
in a soft embrace, long forgotten.

Kneeling,
I hold some soil ...
watch it sift through my fingers.
I close my eyes,
breathe in,
breathe out,

and smile again...

I have touched you once more!



Al-Ziyara = The Visit.....

This was written exactly 3 years ago. June 4th 2002

[Cybele]

Hello Dani,

Your visit was truly moving. It brought to mind the resting place of my son who died 17 years ago aged 23.

But my sorrow is mingled with happy memories as I look at a picture
of him sitting in a frangipani tree with his brothers reading comics in the garden of our house in Malaya.

Your tribute will always remain fresh and beautiful, as long as you can still smell that earth.