Recognize all of the flowers and trees in the garden. Hydrangeas, geraniums, lemon trees, roses, pomegranates, hibiscus, oleanders, olive trees, bouganvillae. Know which ones are edible, which ones are toxic, which ones attract birds, which repel insects. Smell everything.
Look up at the full moon, and start bleeding the same night. Work with the transformative energy. Keep the window open as you sleep, curtains drawn. Let her shine her light on you. Talk to her as you fall asleep. Remember when you used to glow too.
Be distracted by a scarab beetle in the sand, while reading Ovid's
Metamorphoses. Wonder at the coincidence. Watch the scarab go its own way after having crossed your beach towel.
Look closely into the darkness. There's stone snakes living under the mountains. They usually come out at night. Not easy to miss, head as big as a small car.
Walk into the sea. Cup water in your hands and bring it above and over your head three times. Dive into the waves. Go in, with all your head. Underwater. Feel.
Talk to the sea. It understands poetry best.
Now sing to it. The first song will call fish to you. If you're not scared bigger fish will follow the small ones.
The sea recognises you now when you walk into it. It recognises your voice. It'll send waves to greet you. It will gently carry you to the shore when you wish to leave.
Talk to the sea. It is far reaching. Powerful, a good friend to have.
Sing to it again. But now sing into it, sing deep, radiate your song. Careful if you're on a boat. This might cause storms.
Keep salt on your skin and sand in your hair. Keep the wind.
Walk barefoot.
Wear kajal eyes, silver jewellery and pearls. Have bedouin dreams.
