on cynophagy

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.