IF NOT TOO LATE 1970

A BOY AND GIRL TRAVEL OVERLAND TO MOROCCO IN 1970.

That time we went to Fez
and you said
it's like Biblical times
all these fecking donkeys
and camels and people
dressed like Jesus
I said to Miriam

so it was my first time
and we had to leave
the vehicle outside
the gates of the city
she said

we were sitting
at the Moroccan bar
of the camp base
sipping cokes
and had French loaf
sandwiches on plates
beside us

but it was good
I said
and that mosque
I went in was great  
I had to take off
my sandals mind you
but hey the site
inside was good

I didn't go in
but that market
was out of this world
she said

she sat on a stool
beside me sipping her coke
she had a pink tee shirt
and red shorts
-I loved red-
and bare feet

I looked at the feet
recalling mouthing
her toes that night
in Malaga after
the shower
at the camp base there
and well the rest followed

I bit into the French roll sandwich
lettuce
cheese
cold lamb meat
and some kind of pickle

those women wore
those black gown things
she said
could only see their eyes
I don't think I could wear
one of those
I like to be seen
and why bother
to wear make up
or wear something skimpy
if you've got one
of those on
she said

they don't I guess
that's their religion
I said

she bit into her French roll
and was silent

she smelt
of apples and hay
and I could have licked her
but we sat and ate
and thought of the beach
and moon and stars
and sex
if not too late.