Sword

The days were summer
I was sitting on the roof, and the trees were telling me what the river had
        generously granted them
With praise, and rustling

I said, Mother, speak some poetry for me
She drew a sword on the ground
And said it was a palm leaf.  

   Contributor’s notes: Abdallah Al Saikhan
   Translator’s notes: Ayesha Saldanha

   The Poet
   Sword