Desert Dance (Revised)

Adultery is the crime for which I now stand
Buried to the neck and bound. The true
Criminal: buried beside me to his waist, in
Desert sand. Masha'Allah*, may the innocent
Escape more pain. I see that it is written!
First, tilt chin to right and left. Soon, I will
Go. This man deserves no escape, but I
Hate him not, for I can dance. Head slides:
In a circle. Oven heat burns charcoal eyes.
Just watch the sand fall. I will live after all.
Knuckle undulations-feel patience in agony.
Lift and drop chest, with blood on my face.
My thief watches, more lust than imagination;
Nothing but blood can he love, not even life.
Oh, justice is sweet! Shoulder circles, hands
Perfectly still. He is angry. Twist hands. He
Questions his Writer. I will ask no questions.
Rip the cords with long, sharp finger nails.
Slow chest circles, iron snake arms, with a
Twisting of hips, and freedom is breathing
Under the sand, I feel it. My arms are strong.
Vibrations of the knees, for strings, and omis*.
Writer, I pray, write me well. Know my worth.
Slow ankle circles. I untie myself. Thank you!
Xenolith no longer am I, now free to shine.
You see? The guilty will not go free. I see his
Zealous anger. He will die, yet I'm alive-Maktub!*

*"Masha'Allah" means "if Allah wills it". This phrase is used to discuss anything that will happen in the future, as Allah "writes" all things that will happen, in Islam.

*An "omi" is a common Middle Eastern dance movement.

*"Maktub" means "It is written" or "Allah wills it".