American Belly Dancer

By Sumaya

American belly dancer, her coin costumes are crude! American belly dancer her style is rude! She balances her cane on top of her head while purists and belly police look on with dread her moves are too big, her steps are too fast, and oh dear, oh my, her hand gestures too crass! Poor little dancer, she'll never get it right Because she can't afford an Egyptian flight So she makes do with a smile and some flare and turns her head away from puritan glares She takes this dance down deep in her soul turns it about and makes it her own She dances with her heart right out on her sleeve and knows her audience and does all to please At the end of her performance she counts the money she amasses from catering to the American masses Because at the end of her gig on a successful night, she has enchanted her audiences with wonder and delight   ABOUT THE DRAWING: Sumaya created this artwork to go with the poem, showing an American-style belly dancer proudly holding her props of sword, Isis wings, and cane.

About the Poet

Sumaya's mind, body and soul have been completely transformed by this beautiful art form. The music calls her and her spirit responds. She is delighted, though a little embarassed, to have her humble musings published on Shira's great site.

Sumaya has contributed the following poems to this web site:

• Belly Dancer
• Another Poem by Sumaya
• Still Another Poem by Sumaya
• American Belly Dancer

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