The Wardrobe’s Best Dressed: Holy Sparks by Diana Woodcock

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Camels Going to Market

In the bed of a Toyota truck,
they ride, looking dignified—
                nonchalant and unconcerned
                as cars and lorries on all sides churn,

some speeding past, some tail-gating.
Their eyes, long double-lashed, ask
                What’s the rush? Why not try waiting
                your turn, this lovely autumn morning?

I’ve watched them unbridled,
                grazing the rodat, or stretched out
in close proximity to their beloved
                Ziziphus nummularia,

                lazing away the hot midday.
Calmly one gazes my way,
demanding respect. I would protect
                all three from the day’s ordeal.

No doubt they’ve served their masters well.
                One rises slowly, sinuously
                from its sitting position, hinting
                                of growing dissent, no menace

in her eyes—only a dispassionate gaze
                void of fear or trepidation
                as she moves nearer her destination.
                                Camels so full of grace,

                                heading to the marketplace,
my heart grieved to see them come
to this sad plight. Yet I take note:
                each one’s appareled in celestial light.