a photograph by the late Ismail Hashim.
Four locks on the same door,
the fifth, never mentioned,
but equally present in the photograph,
securing the main entrance.
My eyes first noticed
the afternoon sunshine,
and later the locks,
but neither four, nor five.
The light was timid and uneasy,
like a thoughtless guest who rings,
when the room is enjoying a siesta.
Four locks on the same door,and the fifth, the muted,
watched me watch
No one knocked; no one dared.
The room was determined to be empty.
