A Meadow between Meknes and Fes

Colors clash and merge simultaneously
Green against scarlet red
Purple against yellow
In this early spring meadow.

Glimpsed from passing cars, the colors blur and merge
Into one another.
Riotous, boisterous, bold colors jostling for attention merge so effortlessly,
So pleasing in a passing blur.

Stop! say I, fascinated by visions
Of flowers past seen or never seen before:
Purple thistles—what do you mean, thistles in Morocco?
Aren’t they supposed to grow in Scotland alone? Well, I’ve seen ‘em in California…. Yes, here we go again: everything worth knowing
Comes from California. But wait, I am transfixed by—

Black, round spiky flowers… perfect for that Goth garden or wedding
Bouquet, no doubt. Subhan Allah, black flowers! Never seen those before!
Not even in your precious California? Nope, they’re a Moroccan wonder!

By Aisha M. Hanif