poem circa 2013
Tangier tight grip on billfold
as hashish hawkers and purveyors
of information inform the bewildered
in the cartographic void.
Attempts to escape were thwarted by eager drivers eyeing
sluggish mochilleros riding surfer vibes from Tarifa
and suspect to strange tariffs.
The azure oasis of chefchaouen brought
a sense of tranquility and a remedy
to a hot-boxed bus by the name of Naj Chemal
with a penchant for picking up local hitchers
and abiding highway regulations
in the anarchic rule of roads.
Inside the medina a haven for
a THC troupe inhabiting terraces
under a kaleidoscopic canopy
sheltering summer rays
and the sting of local authorities
looking for a kick down.
Kick me down, break me off,
you can say it a thousand ways
Sophomoric memories revived
of Long Beach Dub All-stars
and the doobies that came with
the tingling fear which has broke
on through to the other side.
Evening light brought singlet posing atop
golden peaks with shutterbugs and
marijuana monsters from Münster
who lent a hand and an ear
to my tales
before the valley echoed in prayer
of “ALLAHU
improvisational praise and tonal rhythms
before landing a quarter-noted
AKBAR”
Great is the god
who protects his flock
with berber tea and tangine
under hashish eyes
that won’t wander astray.
Thump, thump, thump
a teenage drum roll carried a 2/4 beat
as family carried the soon-to-be-married
in an ancient carriage
with their escort of flower maidens
who’ve yet to flower
crossing the perpetual divide of nicotine and tea-sipping
men who turn their heads at lolitas
which share no such taste
nor fond of the gauntlet of glares
from those far too caffeinated for twenty three past eleven
what fun will they have this evening?
Can you wish someone sweet dreams?
Can you plant a pleasant moment for one to ponder
and enjoy through their restful hours
as a mental massage or offering of peace
I dreamt well on bed 23 knowing
I’d see stars.