Topography of a Dream

Fatma Assef

I lulled a child
once to sleep
found faith
on its quiet face
 
sleep tight
tomorrow brings
the same
 
sketches dog-eared
on sidewalks
words finished
--green
Ivy crawling up
the space
between
my frozen front door
here
 
and my distant
Alexandria
 
faint beam
 
the waves of wanting
more--
 
waiting splits your skin
weight stretches you thin
 
pulls
the will away
 
watch
my watchtower
--collapse
 
this ocean of yearning
 
I will not wait
 
anymore
 
​