The disaster that is now our beautiful Egypt! I am pleased Hamada did not live to see this terrible fighting and bloodshed for he would have been so sad. Stay safe dear family and good friends. I know that you read here and some of you have internet restored again now. Stay strong and positive. I am thinking of you and praying that peace will come really soon. Below is the re-posting of my poem “Cairo†The beautiful Cairo we all knew and loved. May it return to us once more.
“Cairoâ€
Oh Cairo of the sepia light,
empurple in the late of night,
the sparkling rays on marble stones
the quickest steps and gleaming domes.
The narrow streets and alleyways,
the different smells, the different ways.
The hookah pipes, the mint tea trays,
Oh Cairo and your faded ways
The empyrean of mosaic mosques,
the many souks and little shops.
The hot and dusty lives we lived,
the little child with flower to give.
Street cafes where every day
we sat and watched in wondrous gaze.
Oh Cairo, I remember all those days.
The perfume shop, where we paid
to smell like Chloe, in a way!
The special time, with special friends,
we thought that it would never end.
Halcyon days spent with you
enticing splendour of garnet hue.
Twinkling stars in darkest night,
Oh Cairo of the sepia light.
The dark robed men,
with beads and dice,
delicious honey with special spice,
the bright and silky lengths of cloth
tahina, lentils in a pot.
Can you recall this magic place ?
for I can see your handsome face.
Oh Cairo of the sepia light.
@ Copyright 2006
Dearest Susie, I couldn’t help but get misty eyed while reading this and knowing what is going on in Egypt – all the destruction, death, and turmoil; people crying out for help through the smoke and gun fire. It’s good to look back through your eyes and words to a more peaceful time and pray that democracy and justice can be restored. Egypt is so beautiful and mystical with all its many treasures – your poem brings it to life for those of us who have never been there. XOXO Lora
Susie,
I have never had the good fortune to visit Cairo, but your poem produces such happy and vivid pictures in my mind – an enormous contrast to the graphic and disturbing news on TV at present.
God grant that peace and safety will be soon restored to the people and land you so obviously love so very much !
L0vely words,for a beautiful country,somewhere I always wanted to visit. Hopefully peace will be restored soon and your family and friends stay safe. Hoping you are well,take care xxx
Last weekend my friend and I sat in her flat in Putney and cried about it … she lived there as a teenager, and I visited Cairo many times with my parents … heart-breaking.
I just wanted to let you know that when I saw this on the news, my first thoughts were of you and Hamada. How appropriate to post your beautiful poem here. Susie, “that” Cairo … yours and his, yours as a couple, will always be safe and that is because you keep it so in your heart <3
hi
As I think you may know, I have never been to Egypt. I have, however, spent time in that corner of the world, and while I don’t understand why so much happens with her neighbors, it is something that I have followed with great interest for almost 30 years. And, sadly, Egypt is now caught up in it as wel…
I hadn’t seen this poem before, Susie – it is lovely. And for what it’s worth, I will continue to think of – and pray for – those people so severely affected by what is going on over there now. You can be assured that I will also likely post further about what is happening.
Be well, my friend.