World Beginnings

Over the years porches, such simple things, have changed and become mere ornaments.  One dictionary defines it as a noun “a covering over the front door of a house”; symbolic of protection from the elements and the entry into a family’s life. Today a “front porch” is a statement about how clever the lady of the house is and a testament to the family ’s earning power. It also creates “curb appeal” which translates in to value.  Various styles are used to convey something of the owner.  Some present a sentimental, sophisticated motif with wicker and Martha Stewart color coordinated cushions, where no one sits. In the more rural areas, the theme might be the Old West or mountain life and weekends devoted to scouring garage sales and junk shops for memorabilia. Yet no one sits in the rockers or straight back chairs. Signs by the door announce “Welcome” but families are seldom home and the doors are dead-bolted; protected from everyone. Back in the day,...

Goodbye Bashir Powerful body, built for speed, soul crafted in devotion, you came to save me on a  sunny day. Weary, worn, sick and torn- you saved me- carrying me to  a peace unknown. Free from cancer’s cruel lexicon. Over the debris of life’s hopelessness, with hearts pounding in the heat. We entered magical Narnia’s door, far from diseased reality.  You saved me. In searing heat and evenings cool patiently you waited for me. But it had to end...cruel fate crushed your body, leaving no hope. I could not save you. You went on your last ride without me...alone.  Leaving me only your braided tail- a shoe and and endless pain for what could  never be again. I hold you in my broken heart forever because you set me free, saved  me from pain intractable . What am I to do now? Cairo, April 2010 For Lotfy who spent hours and hours riding with me during t...