Missing the Desert

In an alien land, deep under the ground

djins act as perfect hosts and show you around

Beware, do not consume anything, for your soul may be trapped for ever

and your body awake never again.

Henceforth, all your sleeps will be made of longings for the hollows of the dunes

and the smell of cactus

and yet, it would be worth it

..............................................................................................................................

My eldest uncle was the village healer - clean image, no monetary reward and high reputation. He could treat you for anything, from snake bites to ghost haunting. He always credited the family spirit who always guided him. And the family spirit would take his soul to these strange places at times. One morning, my uncle, who had never seen a desert (in India or abroad) started talking about a mystical place with strange buildings (pyramids) and tall big-eyed creatures who stayed in the sands and knew real magic (djins).