Ashgabat

the Gates of Hell

swing open,

not near but not too far, 

when driving in an old Soviet car

away from Ashgabat,

and it's hot

if you can find the spot,

where white marble and the wall

come together five times a day

for the muezzin call.

and seconds pass and years,

but time stands still

on the rise of an ancient foothill.

there are camels in the street,

being butchered in the heat.

horses and sheep

walk the dusty roads,

carrying people and their heavy loads.

and the President for Life

applauds his political skills and knife,

keeping Turkmen under lock and key

who might otherwise choose to be free

but have no voice,

no human rights or choice.

a natural place for the tourist to view

all the animals feeding inside the zoo.