This was written after our trip to Yemen this summer... not very good, but I liked the way it turned out.
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Scattered qaat leaves beneath my foot,
Veiled women dressed in black.
People jabbering in Arabic around me.
Welcome to Yemen.
Open-doored Dibabs driving by,
Little boys kicking a ball in the street.
Stray cats sitting under the chicken coop.
Welcome to Yemen.
Women carrying pitchers on their heads,
Men fashioning Jambias out of metal,
Children watching their parents intently.
Welcome to Yemen.
The aroma of kibde floats out a window.
These people are lost in their traditions,
And a religion of works and prayers.
Welcome to Yemen.
But there are some in their midst,
Carrying truth, waiting to tell
Stories of unfailing love.
To the people of Yemen.
I'm Jealous
Kyleigh,
I enjoyed your poem. Don't say it's not very good if you liked the way it turned out. It is an exquisite, beautiful work of art if you liked the way it turned out. It doesn't matter what your inner critic tells you, or what you think other people think. Let yourself call the works of your hand "very good."
I am so jealous that you got to go to Yemen! I have wanted to go to an Arabic country for awhile. Iraq's a little too dangerous right now, I'm too young, and I have no money to spend on a trip right now, but maybe someday.
Keep writing.
Taylor