Latifa

Ya Latifa
Yesterday I looked in the mirror, horrified
An old man looked back
Deep wrinkles, white hair, red-eyed

Ya Latifa
Today I waited all day for you
Fortunately, I had company
A woman I did not know, but who laughs just like you do

Ya Latifa
The nurses are sweet, and the doctor says I’ll be alright
But I miss your voice, your whispers in the night

Ya Latifa
Ya Latifa
Where are you, ya Latifa?

I am naked, they are washing my body
Wrapped in a white cloth — cool light shines through the fibers
And ya Latifa
I can finally see you now

And the man was carried to his grave
And the angels marked down
His sins
His prayers
And his love for Latifa