Morocco, 2008
En-route to Marrakesh – A welcome break from the drizzling mist of daily writing and the icy chill of winter stress. Another promise to myself fulfilled – that I will travel to at least one unvisited African country each year.
Morocco, however, will be the only trip which is purely for pleasure and, happily, one where I am joined by [name] – our very first holiday together – a touch of the Middle East which she loves (and I am only just beginning to discover) and a taste of Africa (which will be her second visit to the continent, and I hope not her last).
Diary entry, 12 December 2008
Diary entry, 15 December 2008
Colours in the Dust
I leave behind the dusty brown
Of narrow streets and sun-fired clay
Back home to England’s verdant town
Of scholars’ spires and skies of grey
I leave behind the market maze
Where every hue is stacked and strung
And count the march of Christmas days
In gleaming malls with carols sung
I leave behind the emerald bliss
Of gardens in the golden sand
And smile to see the blooms I miss
Still traced upon my lover’s hand
I leave behind the hooded eyes
Of faces drawn like timeless maps
And brush the mask of my disguise
With bright new paint across the cracks
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