Cairene Rehearsal

By Ricardo A. Belgrave


A haze of pollution creates atmospheric pressure in a city of endless,

labyrinthine streets simultaneously gorged with people seemingly lost

in the comfort of urban anonymity. No relief can be found in man-

made tunnels that provide passageways for metallic cylinders

intermittently expelling humans who push and plow their way through

with no intent of rudeness---just urgency, lest they find themselves

wedged between merciless mandibles of steel.


Above ground, voices murmur steadily and are interrupted by the

chorus of taxi horns frequently seeking to transport beings from trade

place to trade place, while whirlwind activity recycles itself until the city

steals a few hours of rest---much needed and much earned.


Friday morning allows for a delayed awakening and a welcomed

reprieve for this the respected holy day. Midday approaches and a

caffeine-addicted urbanism prepares itself for fever-pitched comings

and goings in which, one by one, Cairenes mentally rehearse the

choreography of the cosmopolitan, dance-like shuffle---each keeping

eyes on the lead dancer caught somewhere in the maelstrom.


In a metallic flying machine an audience waits for the curtain of haze to

part and to begin the first section of a three-act drama: “al-Qahirah.”

Pilots conduct with electronic batons signaling the need for seatbelts to

be fastened. Now all seats are occupied and engines produce the

background melody as the descent begins and the curtain of smog

separates.


Cairenes, your places please!