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The Cost of Living in Thebes

Susie Gharib

Those two pillars that adorn the landscape
are more than I can afford in a million years,
and that stone figure with the ankh in his hand
seems to rebuke me in the hieroglyphic style
for having lost all hope in the afterlife.

I view the sun-gilded sand
and think of its capacity to transform that desert patch
into the semblance of paradise
with a single mirage.

The Nile caresses the banks
with emerald ripples that mirror the masts
of gliding fishing-boats.

I inspect the apartment which overlooks that very ancient site
with an envious eye,
then turn to address the estate agent
who has patiently waited for my reverie to pass:
“I shall purchase this beautiful place
if one day I become a diplomat!”
say I with a sneer permeating my undulating voice.

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