1. Bald and bare, time left her naught
But a tongue, salty with blame.

2. I slapped her - off flew her turban
From a bald pate with scarce five hairs.

3. Like an ostrich egg when it gleams
In dire plight amid thorns and crags.

4. She has withered letters at her sides
Like frontiers parceling out the earth.

5. Her shoulder like a horse's withers, bared
By ceaseless missions and gifts refused.