Remember :: Morocco

Adhan permeated the red dusty air 
Marrakech maze-like foreboding lair 
Every wall reaching out for God's trees
Seasoned doors cloak mysterious narratives 

Street as wide as trio of donkeys
Snaked their way into veiled parties 
Latticed souks cast sun dappled faces
Recall paths or lose all traces 

Met Muhammad, who emulated calm 
Ran a herb shop with brimful of charm
The scent infused a dizzying dose 
Shared mint tea in a squat stool pose 

Chameleon perched on lapis lazuli heaped bowl
Our meeting made my spirit grow
His name, Michael Jackson, we were told 
His host did not seek his wares to be sold

Chicken feathers floated slowly still 
My eyes watered from the ticklish spill 
Clucking echoes silenced in a butcher's hold 
Blood drips down to the filled potholes

Sit idly observing from the balcony
Down to Djemas-El-Fnaa hived with the colony 
Lamb tagine, almonds and prunes 
Colour, energy, vibrancy festooned 

The square animated with busyness 
Letters typed under the shady trees
Knife sharpeners with their stone wheel bikes
Handmade goods creaked the steel framed trikes 
 
Tricksters corralled fools into tanneries 
Dominique advised to avoid being casualties 
Some experiences are worthwhile 
But some just causes the bile to rile 

Through the maze we were led by a guide
A lone torch danced with gaiety and plight 
Minotaur horns layered darkened patterns 
The centre, a black laced gate flanked by silver lanterns 

Women greeted us at the end 
Who poured warm water onto our hands
Twelve hour veal in communal oven 
Orange blossom infused almond 

Milk sprinkled with cinnamon
Small pretty dishes bequeath love in bosom