Sphinx

Sphinx, by Nadia Ibrashi

 

I am older than your dreams, sired in the desert, born by the Nile,

hiding Egypt’s secrets in my hands. I was sculpted before time,

grazed generations of slaves, their lives bleached in scorching blaze.

 

Hail the glorious Pyramids. I’ve guarded them with a lion’s heart & man’s ruthless gaze.

I saw Moses & the Hebrews part the waterway, witnessed pharaohs fall, others raised.

Greeks, Turks & Romans invaded, my hands lean on their lost tongues & trails.

I whisper to constellations, searing suns & summer storms like a maze.

 

I am the Father of Awe. Tremble when I ask,

What has four feet in the morn, two in the afternoon, & three at eventide?

You fumble & I say:

 

I will outlive your sins. It is you who will go & I who shall remain.