Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance)

The Oud’s played,

I unveil 

A cascade of black hair

Down to my curves.

For your pleasure

I’m half covered

In lace, half displayed.

               “Ahlan wa sahlan!”

               “Ma sha Allah!”

Here I come

With camel walks

Through the dining tables

And vulture eyes--

My snake arms,

Round your old necks

Cast the shawl--

Shimmy, shimmy:

Shoulders and hips,

Waving my belly …

                 “Ya habibi ! ”

As long as I have

My youth, my charm,

I’ll have your cheers and money

In my bra or hip scarf.

As soon as I’m old

I’ll be replaced with a blond.

When I die

You will say

I went to hell

With my Haram art.

You are all the same

Amir Al Bahar

Sheikh Abdol the Third.

I’m a belly; soft dumb belly,

A belly dancer.