The Henna Artist

During our trip, we visited the famous central market in Marrakesh. It was an amazing experience. This poem is about the the Henna artist...a lovely experience. Enjoy.

 

The Henna Artist

 

in the center market square of Djema el Fna 

                among fabric merchants   a single woman

   on a low stool   stone mortar in hand

         pounds chopped henna into fine green powder 

 

she looks at our group with a bubbling smile

                 beautiful lady   lucky tattoos   only dollars please

                              I follow her hand gesture

sit on rolled rugs and lean

             against large baskets of dry couscous

 

she stuffs a wad of tobacco into her mouth

                              takes a deep breath

   in a flowing rhythm draws Berber designs

  framing nails and fingers

fish for prosperity   she says   lion’s paw for strength

 

as the cool paste touches my skin

                 I travel back to my engagement night

when the women escorted the new bride

            into the mikveh

      ululating as her palms and feet

                         covered in a thick paste of red henna

on this day

    as blessed sunshine strikes

               dark"red walls and climbing vines

 I sip a gentle past in the familiar flavor of mint tea

shkr thank you   she says

       flushing red cheeks and gold trimmed teeth

                          zwin"beautiful  

        so beautiful