Hakawati, A glimpse of tradition Options

[Siren]

Through a labyrinth of narrow twisting alleyways
where rooftops stand erect at kissing distance,
and cobblestones line the rutted streets,
the Old City of Damascus thrives in regal posture.

Merchants, pushing laden barrows, compete by day for
the right of passage through splendid mosques and khans.
The air, flooded by pungent aromas of spice and sweets,
intwines the past and present in a heady mixture.

As night spreads darkness across a fiery sky,
men seek their nightly respite at the coffeehouse,
nestled in the shadows of the Ummayad Mosque.
Biding time over a backgammon's rolling dice.

Winners and losers bellow their luck in rousing cries
as scores of coffee and tea cups clutter round tables.
Silence upon his entry... the game is forgotten.

Clad in a jilabiya of fine silk threaded in gold
he sits upon his throne flanked by wooden chairs.
The Hakawati begins to recite the courage of ancient warriors.

Pulling his audience into tales so deftly told
he stands, while acting the poor helpless maiden,
reciting poetry,
then roaring loudly as her gallant savior.

He drags the tale out, till the nights have counted a year
then ends it with a new beginning... addicting his public
to return for yet another adventure.

[Guest__*]

Hello Dania.
This was a lovely surprise. For one dreadful moment I expected to find a Hawaian Haiku. Instead I find Scherezade, without the djinns. A great and mystic tale. You have saved your sisters for another night.  

The scene is set deliciously in the first two verses.  
There may or may not be a spelling error in L8. entwines?

The arena unfolds to the sound of Omar Sharif and his like, intent
on the game of dice. A fascinating game in itself, backgammon.
One of my favourites, but I haven't got his moustache.

Then comes the story teller. A weaver of words.A spinner of spells.

Pulling his audience into tales so deftly told
he stands, while acting the poor helpless maiden,
reciting poetry,
then roaring loudly as her gallant savior.

He drags the tale out, till the nights have counted a year
then ends it with a new beginning... addicting his public
to return for yet another adventure.

Without giving any secrets away, I have a routine which
includes a long blonde wig, and a floppy rubber sword.

Sadly, my knightly hero is turned to toast by a fire eating dragon!
The maiden disappears into the maw of the beast.

But I know what you mean.  


Hugz

Tom
.