Ladies Night

Marí Peté

Tonight a peacock witnesses from a tree
four women
bent over tall-stemmed
rose petal daiquiris,
bare shoulders shawled by summer's first breeze.

Ringed fingers unroll scrolled menu secrets,
voices rinkle, stories sipped slowly through straws.

A man in loin cloth waits in shadows
for their signal. Round the table
bathes slender hands
in scented water.

Sweetpotato, saffron, dates and cloves. Honey, cinnamon,

they lick lips, savour tales
late into the night.

When the last layer is unveiled on their plates,
they leave – cheek bones sprinkled
in lacy light's cream confetti.

The owner waves from a silky room,
ringed by sleepy maidens
puffing hubbly bubblies.

In the dark street
they kiss twice, balanced on stilettos.
Each alone, drives slowly home

to vaccinations, adoptions, divorce. Miscarriage, menopause ...

Back in the hallway,
multiplied in mosaic mirrors
a peacock guards
four women's forty-something dreams.

For Anne-Marie, Sally and Barbara
(Fabulous Restaurant, Durban November 2004)



LitNet: 20 December 2005

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