The Witch of the Eternal Sands

You weave magic

around you,

wearing it like a robe—

a garment,

a projection of your soul.

Secure in its luminous halo,

throughout the world

of djinni and men you go,

solitary wayfarer.

No scorching sun

or cold of night,

no wandering scorpion

or snake bite,

no desert hazard

may harm you.

Pilgrim in the wind,

steady you sail

on this sea of sand;

a hidden treasure

burns in your heart,

the sparkling of stars

shines in your eyes.

O Witch of the Eternal Sands,

the beauty of a mirage

forever follows you,

like a trail of whispered dreams.

Where will your steps take you?

To the gates of Akkad,

to the dark caves of Yevisu—

where next?

I will follow your trail

like a hunter seeking prey;

from land to land,

I will collect the dreams

you left behind.

For all I ask

from the immensity of the desert

is one grain of sand;

all I ask

from the roaring storm

is one raindrop;

all I ask from you

is one spell,

an everlasting kiss

under the crescent moon.

by Jason R. Forbus