Market of the Senses at Suakin

Sights, sounds, the cavernous space,

echoes with market wails and cries,

"Try my wares!" in many different tongues...

This is the excitement of the crossroads

of cultures, the mixing of art and secrets

and spice. Travellers wind and weave

choosing, tempted, by what they see,

forever transformed by the colour

and senses are alive. The incense smoke

streams like a floating spirit up into

the air, the hush of silk, a blaze

of jewel colours, golden threads,

exotic spices, how can we ever remain

the same again...?

copyright Monika Roleff 2005.