Lady of Baghdad, oil on canvas by William Clarke Wontner, 1900
For Sunday Scribblings, the prompt is "secret identity." I've experienced many an Arabian night and yes, I have been known to belly dance - which, along with Loreena McKennett's song "The Mystic's Dream," inspired this poem.
A modern-day Mata Hari
eyes heavily lined in kohl
bracelets clink and earrings jangle
as she swirls in a haze of glittery chiffon
each veil twisted and twirled
like quicksilver
practiced until perfect
so she draws her audience in
as the oud's plaintive wail echoes
and the drumbeat quickens
she shimmies her hips in intoxicating rhythm
then executes a series of dizzying turns
Suddenly she slows with the music
her hips gently undulating
as she sways in place
waiting as he leans closer
longing to read the secrets in her eyes
she watches his lazy grin
he's sure of her now
before the night is over he'll fire her passion
matching her movements to the drum's rapid pace
she draws the dagger from her costume
and smiles:
it's his last dance.
Oh, what an intriguing, marvelous poem, Tara! I can almost hear the beat of the drum, the ringing tap of her zills...
I love that Loreena McKennet recording - and bellydancing - I think you may be inspiring me to go back to bellydance class!
XO
Posted by: tinker | 17 April 2007 at 08:04
Sorry I'm here so late, I was away for the weekend! Anyway, love the painting -- I would love to be that belly-dancing lady myself! I've always wanted to learn, and I hear it can be a good form of exercise!
Posted by: bonggamom | 16 April 2007 at 06:35
Ooh, I LOVED this...gorgeous image and words. And I adore that song...I need to go listen to it now. Bravo!
Posted by: Mardougrrl | 16 April 2007 at 06:34
Really marvelous use of words. The painting is incredible: sensuous and evocative. Your poem is even more so and creates an equally vivid, vital and visible picture. You just keep one-upping yourself, Tara.
Posted by: sundaycynce | 16 April 2007 at 04:50
The painting is absolutely amazing! and so is your poem.....you paint a portrait yourself and as the music and her dancing reach that seductive pitch....with the ending unexpected. I love your words!
XOXO
p.s. I've always wanted to try belly dancing but at this stage of the game my belly does enough dancing without even trying. LOL!
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer | 16 April 2007 at 04:25
We had a hafla in Floyd this year. Some of the women bellydanced while balancing swords!
I could hear Loreena singing as I read.
Posted by: colleen | 16 April 2007 at 04:14
you seriously belly danced? It looks very difficult to do! I'm too skinny to 'belly' dance...lol I would love to be healthy enough to pull it off, just once! Cool poem!
Posted by: Jennifer | 16 April 2007 at 04:06
The painting and the poem go so well together. Excellent twist at the end. Loved reading the progression of the dance and the expections...and then the reality.
Posted by: KG | 16 April 2007 at 03:20
The poem is so beautiful in its complexcities. It embodies the plight of the Middle Eastern women who are treated as second class citizens. Thanks.
Posted by: serendip | 15 April 2007 at 22:30
I absolutely adore that painting! And it matches your poem so well, with its dark underbelly!
Posted by: Kamsin | 15 April 2007 at 21:53
Seductive scenario with a salacious ending!
Beautiful flow of words and visuals!
Wonderful work!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: happy.tiler | 15 April 2007 at 20:07
Loreena NcKennet, a fabulous painting, and the poem make a winning combo. Just got the new LM cd a couple of weeks ago.
I could see the scene taking place.
Posted by: Jone | 15 April 2007 at 19:56
That was lovely!
(a failed belly-dancer)
Smile ...
Posted by: lacithecat | 15 April 2007 at 19:42
bravo!!!!!
Posted by: wendy | 15 April 2007 at 18:30
OH! I love it! I have taken belly dance classes and it is so cool! We got to dress up with all the costumes. jewelry etc! I will see if I cna find the pictures! I can relate to your post todat BIG time! (((shimmy))))
Posted by: pam aries | 15 April 2007 at 17:17
I love dancing but have never tried belly dancing. Maybe one day...
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | 15 April 2007 at 17:03
your poem is undulating and that painting is
sumptuous...
:)
Posted by: sophie | 15 April 2007 at 17:02
Awesome Tara! The painting alone tells a story but your poem - wonderful and complex with a great end.
Posted by: bella | 15 April 2007 at 16:39
As soon as I saw the photograph, I almost gasped: I want to be her, too! Wonderful poem, and yes, I, too, love Lorena McKennett. In fact, you just inspired me to get out the CD.
Posted by: patry | 15 April 2007 at 15:53
I love the poem and especially the painting.
Posted by: kristen | 15 April 2007 at 15:09
Marvelous.
I adore everything you post!
Blessings!
Posted by: Jeanne | 15 April 2007 at 13:28
I love the oil canvas painting...
the poem..I need to read a couple times more ...
Posted by: Liza | 15 April 2007 at 08:56
Tara,
Dagger?
Mata Hari for sure. He'll be keeping her secret forever now.
Well told.
rel
Posted by: rel | 15 April 2007 at 08:35
I loved that poem. Beautiful picture too!
Posted by: gautami | 15 April 2007 at 07:24
Marvelous painting~usch a beautiful woman.
And you certainly drew me in to the sensuality and mystery of the dance with your poem, as well, only to pull me up short with that surprise ending. Brava!
Posted by: Becca | 15 April 2007 at 04:20
Gorgeous painting Tara! I can see you doing this because I'm picturing that pic of you with kohl eyes :) Your poem was very sensual with a wonderful surprise ending. Bravo! XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 15 April 2007 at 02:54
Ooooooo, love that poem....Yes! I also adore Loreena McKennett. You reminded me of it. I must find my CD. I am inspired!!! xxo,vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa V | 15 April 2007 at 02:15