on cynophagy
- Sigrid Östenberg
- May 7
- 1 min read
on the chapter of Darb Tābac al-Kalb
the bride-to-be licks her thumb
and turns the page to sharp white,
pressed black;
‘on cynophagy,
elsewhere,
where reason has yet to conquer’
a study on how accusation
is confession
and she thinks, smiling, knowing
in the pink brush of morning;
a plump morsel, cool and wet
that leaves the lip reddened,
sweet wine washing down
a cut of steadfastness
and a thin loyal white web–
a promise of fat hips
and strong life taken and given
in the flashing shade of a lote tree,
that canopied edge of knowledge
each piece of flesh, a pocket of courage
each bite a prayer to say;
be brave, and have faith
that when all else fails
a little magic
can go a long long long way
Written by Sigrid Östenberg.
Cover photo by Jessica Da Rosa.