I Want A Poem

by Shukria Rezaei

I want a poem
with the texture of a colander
on the pastry.

A verse
of pastry so rich
it leaves gleam on your fingertips.

A poem
that stings like the splash of boiling oil
as you drop the pastry in.

A poem
that sits on a silver plate with
nuts and chocolates, served up to guests who
sit cross legged on the thoshak.

A poem
as vibrant as our saffron tea
served up at Eid.

Let your poetry
texture the blank paper
like a prism splitting light.

Don’t leave without seeing all the colours.