expands sharp breathless air. Sun sweeps starred skies,
grilling golden sands that sting rimmed eyes
of tanned, fanned, turbanned, swarthy touareg tribes
prostrate praying prophet. Bearded cries.
Dawn wakes dust swarm of jester-pester flies
round crawling camel caravan which plies
an ancient trade in spices, slaves, spies, scribes.










12 old applause
