Remembering Aseel

Posted: January 6, 2018 in What Pegman Saw
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Sure! We were invited to Uncle Abóòd’s parties! Remember? The youngest sat at the table farthest from the wall, so waiters knew we weren’t allowed any arak. Still, we boys sipped the last drops from abandoned glasses while Uncles Yaman, Rifal, and Tarek shimmied to the beat of tabans and swayed to the gently plucked strings of a rebab.

Jeez, don’t you remember that although the air swam with the aroma of freekeh chicken, tabbouleh, and manoushi bread, those of us that weren’t too drunk could smell the jasmine in Aseel’s hair?

No! You’re not actually asking, “Who was Aseel?” Really? Come on. Aseel broke every man’s heart. Every boy’s heart! Remember? We vied for her hugs, prayed for her kisses, longed for her stories.

Ah, now you recall. Yes, Aseel’s stories centered around women’s freedom and o.k., erotic sex. I’ll give you that.

What? Seen her? No. She disappeared long ago.

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Comments
  1. Lynn Love says:

    Love the remembered / misremembered images of the past, this lovely thing that suck all the men into watching her – bewitched them – only to be gone. Wondering what happened to poor Aseel, the woman for whom only memory remains. Lovely, moving story Lish

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Dear Lish,

    This story left me smiling. Love the memories of the man who was then a boy, particularly those of his first love. The voice puts us in the moment.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

  3. k rawson says:

    Love, love, love the vivid picture of the past you’ve brought to life. The ominous ending deepened the meaning. Beautifully done!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. pennygadd51 says:

    Lovely story. Memory is very precious, especially memories of happy family gatherings. You’ve found a good voice for your principal character, and the story is fluent and drew me into the moment.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Great voice in this piece, Lish. Exuberant indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. There is an energy to your story, Lish, in your story, weaving through your words, which is compelling. It feels like it could be Aseel’s Charisma… Really enjoyed reading this.

    Like

  7. prior.. says:

    I enjoyed the comments and the fiction piece. It was really nice to wonder what these foods are: freekeh chicken, tabbouleh, and manoushi bread
    ammm – wish I could smell or taste them –

    Liked by 1 person

  8. draliman says:

    Sneaking alcohol and dreaming of hugs from the exotic Aseel. I wonder what happened to her?

    Like

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