Intimacy

by Anna Halberstadt

That secret
and sacred place
on your left shoulder
is my retreat from the world
a shelter—
from the brimstone and fire
water turned into blood
dead fish and live frogs
mosquitoes, scorpions and locusts.
Lyme disease and sick rabbits
dirty towels, deceitful lovers
fiery hail and sickening betrayals.
This sacred place is my oasis
shade under a luxurious palm tree
a sip of crystal water
a baby camel’s velvet neck
a stone on a lonely beach
to sit on, looking at the water.
It will protect me
from reptiles and predatory snakes
wild animals and biting insects
it will protect me
from loneliness and pain
and first of all,
in Egypt
from that total, darkness.
A darkness, as Lord had said to Moses,
that can be felt.