2004-11-24 - 9:56 p.m.

A reflection on Mauritanian hospitality dated Oct. 23rd, 2004:

Il Mulane gave us water
the marrow of life
to be shared with no restraints
not to be safeguarded
but rather put at the disposal of all
sisters and brothers
mothers and fathers
daughters and sons.

Il Mulane gave us food
Al-hamdullillah
to be prepared with patience
and shared Bismillah!
Sitting one next to the other
we all reach out to the same plate
sharing what God Almighty gave us
Always having a plate aside
ready to be served to the unexpected guest
searching repose and never being denied
water to wash with and settle one's thirst with
food to replenish with
a "matela" and "usade" to rest on.

No questions are asked of the stranger
no hassles are given
no burdens created
a genuine "Marahabe" said.

Gates and doors are not locked
houses are not left unattended
in the event the unexpected guest might come
needy of shelter.

Children are rushed to gather "glace", milk, sugar and water to serve up
the traditional welcoming "zrig"
while the "berrat" is already warming up
on the fire to start the relieving tea:
a God-send and "must" at all gatherings.

Don't get up!
You must share your day with us!
You're tired?
Sleep and rest
the day is warm, you must wait till the sun is weak again.
You must wiat for dinner to be served!
MArahabe 'u Sehle!
MArahabe!

Join us on our "charit"
at our market stand
in our foil shack
on our dirt floor
at our weddings and "baptemes"
in our classrooms and our homes
come sit with us and spend the day with us!

Dance with us
eat with us
pray with us
drink zrig and tea with us
don't leave us
Marahabe 'u Sehle!
MArahabe!

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