After the Masterpiece

The cocks are crowing for you— Wild, unwavering alarm. "They do so five times a day, at the times for prayer," You explained to me then. Nobody know's why. Sitting on the wicker mat, ataaya falling from your cup to mine. You captivated me, the artist— Drawing the baobab in my etch book. Yet really, drawing the creases of your skin With each age mark of bark. The baobab separates us from the village now— Don't make me go back. Hustle, women's kettles, and that horrible screaming Coming from the wolof TV station— Your voice can't harmonize with the blow of the grasses there. And you pray, your head resting on the concrete. All I could think about was how handsome you looked then, your muscles jutting from your boubou And the sun, kissing each ridge of you that has been washed by holy water. I'm going to hell. You were wild then—in those times, We used to escape to the dessert Plains and the papaya fields. Your voice would rise As the wind gained confidence, and you, too, Would blow without concern for the trees, Which would only have been swayed, but would Have, without second thought, formed a wall to stop Your breeze. You changed since. You no longer speak without Filtering the passion that The entire world is aware of, but that you— You keep locked inside of you like the exit strategy to your village. But I loved you then, And I'm not sure anymore. Back when we were in your room, And you gently ran your hand over mine In the light of your LED flashlight. And when we raced through The Saharan hills, And you fell to your knees, yelling, "Baby, you win!" I knew I had. But what is there for the artist After her masterpiece is hung?